FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tree During Practice Visual Approach (N7676C)

EL Dorado, AR, US

On January 23, 1993, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N7676C) operated by Acoustics Consultants Inc was involved in an aviation accident near EL Dorado, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a series of practice visual approaches, an airplane struck a tree about 60-80 feet tall on the third approach, half a mile short of the runway threshold. The pilot stated the VASI indicated red lights. After the strike, the pilot regained control and landed on the opposite runway.

Incident Overview

During a series of practice visual approaches to an airfield, an airplane struck a tree on the third approach. The tree was approximately 60 to 80 feet tall and located about half a mile short of the landing threshold.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported observing the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) system during the approach, which indicated that the lights were red. Following the tree strike, the pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft and circled to land on the opposite runway.

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred during the third of a series of practice visual approaches. The airplane impacted the tree before reaching the runway. After the collision, the pilot was able to recover and subsequently performed a landing on the runway opposite to the intended landing direction.

Additional Details

No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jan 1993 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near EL Dorado, AR?

During a series of practice visual approaches, an airplane struck a tree about 60-80 feet tall on the third approach, half a mile short of the runway threshold. The pilot stated the VASI indicated red lights. After the strike, the pilot regained control and landed on the opposite runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jan 1993 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N7676C, operated by Acoustics Consultants Inc, at EL Dorado, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11700. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.