On October 28, 1990, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9292J) operated by Patrick J. Mcginness was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE ON FINAL APPROACH AND COMPENSATE FOR THE HEADWIND. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE HIS LOW ALTITUDE AND EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane struck powerlines and a tree before coming to rest near the approach end of runway 29. The pilot reported an uncontrollable descending right turn due to a split flap condition, but examination found no pre-impact malfunction.
Accident Overview
An airplane struck powerlines and a tree, coming to rest approximately 300 to 400 feet from the approach end of runway 29. The pilot reported that the aircraft entered an uncontrollable descending right turn due to a split flap condition.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane wreckage and the accident scene revealed no evidence of a pre-impact malfunction. The powerlines were supported by wooden poles 50 to 60 feet above ground level, located approximately 400 to 500 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airplane passed through the powerlines, leaving the top and bottom wires intact while breaking the middle two wires. The airplane then struck a tree with the left wing, shearing the wing off before impacting the ground. No wire marks were found on the wing, but wire marks were observed on the propeller.
Wind Conditions
Winds were reported from 300 degrees at 16 to 22 knots.
What happened in the 28 Oct 1990 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Columbia, PA?
An airplane struck powerlines and a tree before coming to rest near the approach end of runway 29. The pilot reported an uncontrollable descending right turn due to a split flap condition, but examination found no pre-impact malfunction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Oct 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9292J, operated by Patrick J. Mcginness, at Columbia, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE ON FINAL APPROACH AND COMPENSATE FOR THE HEADWIND. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE HIS LOW ALTITUDE AND EXECUTE A GO-AROUND.
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