Casualties unknown

2000-08-12: Aviat A-1 (N79PS) — Kidron, OH

Kidron, OH, US

On August 12, 2000, an Aviat A-1 (registration N79PS) was involved in an aviation accident near Kidron, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path and proper visual lookout that resulted in collision with wires. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing approach, a pilot observed traffic and decided to land on grass west of the runway due to a displaced threshold. After maneuvering left of trees, he flew under marked wires but struck unmarked wires, causing the airplane to pitch down and hit the ground.

Accident Details

A pilot was conducting a landing approach when he observed landing and departing traffic in the traffic pattern. He noticed another airplane landing on the grass west of the runway. The pilot determined that the runway's displaced threshold was due to tall trees. He opted to make his approach and landing on the grass left of the treeline and the runway, which is west of the runway.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that after turning final and maneuvering to the left of the trees, he saw marker balls on the wires. He elected to fly under the marked wires on the north side of the road. As he did so, he struck unmarked wires on the south side of the road. The pilot stated: "I was able to go under the wires that were marked without any contact but as I did that, I caught a wire that was unmarked on the south side of the road, which caused the airplane to pitch down and hit the ground." He reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Runway and Obstacles

Runway 36 was 3,400 feet long with a displaced threshold. A paved road oriented east-west ran perpendicular to the runway at the approach end of Runway 36. A set of high-tension power lines with orange marker balls displayed ran along the north side of the roadway. The unmarked wires on the south side of the road were not marked with marker balls.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21744. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.