No fatalities

Pilot Strikes Power Lines During Go-Around, Later Lands with Damaged Nose Gear (N16453)

Bountiful, UT, US

On January 9, 2003, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N16453) was involved in an aviation accident near Bountiful, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines and his improper in flight planning and decision to maneuver on a go around without noting where the power lines were. 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 pilot struck power lines during a go-around after encountering fog on short final to runway 16. The airplane sustained nose gear and structural damage. The pilot diverted and landed with the nose cowling contacting the runway.

Incident Details

The pilot set up for a traffic pattern to runway 16. Fog was observed to the west of the runway, but no fog was present over the runway. While on short final with runway lights in sight, the pilot reported descending into a patch of fog. The pilot initiated a go-around, applying full power, pitching up, and turning to the east. Seconds later, the airplane struck power lines. The impact broke the nose gear rearward and damaged the bottom portions of several airplane bulkheads and stringers aft of the nose gear.

Post-Accident Actions

After the power line strike, the pilot noticed unsafe gear warning lights and elected to lower the landing gear. The pilot noted that the nose gear light was not lit. The pilot proceeded to another airport and performed an uneventful approach. On landing, the airplane's nose cowling was set down on the runway. The airplane skidded down the runway on its nose cowling until it came to a stop.

Examination Findings

An examination of the accident area revealed broken power poles and downed power lines. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 2003 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Bountiful, UT?

A pilot struck power lines during a go-around after encountering fog on short final to runway 16. The airplane sustained nose gear and structural damage. The pilot diverted and landed with the nose cowling contacting the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 2003 Piper PA-34-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 2003 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N16453, at Bountiful, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines and his improper in flight planning and decision to maneuver on a go around without noting where the power lines were. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inability to see the power lines, the dark night, the fog, and the power lines.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030115X00071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.