No fatalities

Rental Airplane Strikes Tree During Night Landing Approach (N80213)

Moline, IL, US

On December 6, 2002, a Cessna 172M (registration N80213) was involved in an aviation accident near Moline, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night conditions and the trees. 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

A rental airplane sustained right wing impact damage consistent with a tree strike during a night turn from base to final. The pilot reported feeling a bump and seeing something with his right eye.

Incident Overview

A rental airplane returned from a local flight with impact damage to its right wing. The damage pattern was consistent with a strike against a tree. The pilot reported that he felt a bump while turning from base to final approach. He stated that he saw something with his right eye at the moment of the bump. The pilot added power and initially believed the landing gear had contacted something.

Flight Conditions

The flight took place under night visual meteorological conditions. No other weather or environmental details were provided in the initial report.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The aircraft was a rental airplane. No further specifics regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator were disclosed. The pilot's identity and experience level were not mentioned.

Damage Assessment

The damage was limited to the right wing and was described as impact damage consistent with a tree strike. No other damage or injuries were reported.

Investigation Status

As of the initial source, no probable cause has been determined. The investigation may continue to gather additional facts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 2002 Cessna 172M accident near Moline, IL?

A rental airplane sustained right wing impact damage consistent with a tree strike during a night turn from base to final. The pilot reported feeling a bump and seeing something with his right eye.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Dec 2002 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 2002 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80213, at Moline, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night conditions and the trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021223X05627. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.