Aircraft strikes power lines during go-around at runway 16

Casualties unknown • Bountiful, UT, US

A pilot performing a go-around encountered fog and struck power lines, resulting in structural damage to the aircraft nose gear and bulkheads.

What happened

While establishing a traffic pattern for runway 16, the pilot observed fog to the west of the runway, though no fog was present directly over the runway. During the short final phase of flight, the pilot reported descending into a patch of fog. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power, pitching up, and executing a turn to the east.

Seconds after the maneuver began, the aircraft struck power lines. The impact caused the nose gear to break rearward and resulted in damage to the bottom portions of several airplane bulkheads and stringers located aft of the nose gear. Following the strike, the pilot observed unsafe gear warning lights and attempted to lower the landing gear; however, the pilot noted that the nose gear light remained unlit.

The pilot proceeded to another airport where an uneventful approach was performed. During the subsequent landing, the aircraft's nose cowling made contact with the runway, causing the airplane to skid down the runway on its cowling until it came to a complete stop. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

An examination of the accident area revealed broken power poles and downed power lines. A mechanical examination of the aircraft systems revealed no anomalies.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck power lines during a go-around maneuver initiated after encountering a patch of fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-01-09 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Bountiful, UT?

A pilot performing a go-around encountered fog and struck power lines, resulting in structural damage to the aircraft nose gear and bulkheads.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-01-09 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N16453, at Bountiful, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck power lines during a go-around maneuver initiated after encountering a patch of fog.

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.

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