On February 16, 1993, a Cessna 120 (registration N2100V) operated by Wills, Charles R. was involved in an aviation accident near Battleground, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER A STALL/SPIN CONDITION. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A TAILWIND, POWER LINES AND TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to land west on a 1,300-foot turf airstrip bordered by 80-foot trees and power lines. A witness observed the aircraft climb, stall, and roll inverted before landing on its nose.
Accident Sequence
A pilot attempted to land to the west on a 1,300-foot turf airstrip. The west edge of the airstrip terminated in power lines and trees estimated to be 80 feet tall. A single wheel track was observed beginning 405 feet from the west edge of the strip and progressing 45 feet.
Witness Account
A witness stated that he "saw the plane go up and over the trees" and then the aircraft "went straight up and stalled" after which it "rolled over a complete 180 degree turn and landed on its nose."
Environmental Conditions
The witness reported strong winds at the time of the accident. Surface wind observations at Portland International Airport, 13 nautical miles southeast, were from 090 degrees in the teens with gusts in the 30's.
What happened in the 16 Feb 1993 Cessna 120 accident near Battleground, WA?
A pilot attempted to land west on a 1,300-foot turf airstrip bordered by 80-foot trees and power lines. A witness observed the aircraft climb, stall, and roll inverted before landing on its nose.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1993 involved a Cessna 120, registration N2100V, operated by Wills, Charles R., at Battleground, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER A STALL/SPIN CONDITION. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A TAILWIND, POWER LINES AND TREES.
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