Private Aircraft Collision with Radio Antenna Tower (N56467)

Departure and Collision Circumstances A certificated private pilot, accompanied by one passenger, departed southbound from an airport under special VFR conditions. Witnesses reported that weather conditions to the south, particularly in the direction of the accident site, were momentarily much worse than those being reported at the airport. Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the airplane collided with a 335-foot-tall commercial radio antenna tower. ## Tower Location and Marking The tower was situated about 395 feet above sea level and was located 4.3 nautical miles south of the departure airport. Installed in 1986, the tower was depicted as an obstruction on the VFR aviation sectional map covering the area around the departure airport. It was painted in an alternating aviation orange and aviation white pattern. ## Lighting Configuration Two sets of red light fixtures were installed at approximately the 110-foot and 220-foot levels, with each set containing two lamps. A large flashing red light fixture was installed at the top of the tower. One of the two light fixture lamps on the lower portion of the tower was not operating and was scheduled for replacement, while the second lamp at that position remained operational. A light-sensitive switch, or photocell, was installed to automatically turn the tower lights on when ambient light decreased and off when ambient light increased. At the time of the accident, the lights were configured to remain on 24 hours per day, and the accident occurred during daylight hours. ## Regulatory Compliance The antenna complied with the governing FCC rules and regulations regarding the marking and lighting of antennas, as well as the FAA's obstruction standards.