On July 10, 2003, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N125ER) was involved in an aviation accident near Stuart Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors included the tree and the sunglare condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot changed landing runway due to a helicopter near the approach end of the intended runway, then encountered sun glare at the threshold, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike a tree.
Incident Details
A pilot intended to land on runway 09 but changed plans and elected to land on runway 27 after observing a helicopter on an apron in close proximity to the approach end of runway 09. While on a one-mile final approach to runway 27, the pilot reported no difficulty seeing the runway. However, as the aircraft approached the runway threshold, the pilot encountered a sun glare condition that obstructed vision.
Sequence of Events
During the landing flare, the aircraft veered slightly to the left. It subsequently impacted a tree that was 15 feet high and 6 inches in diameter. The impact caused the aircraft to spin 180 degrees to the left. After the spin, the aircraft came to rest in an upright attitude, with the nose low and tail high.
What happened in the 10 Jul 2003 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Stuart Island, WA?
A pilot changed landing runway due to a helicopter near the approach end of the intended runway, then encountered sun glare at the threshold, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike a tree.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jul 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N125ER, at Stuart Island, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors included the tree and the sunglare condition.
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