On July 17, 2003, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N16GL) was involved in an aviation accident near Newman Lake, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while on final approach for landing. Trees and inadequate visual lookout were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On final approach, the pilot's limited forward visibility from the rear seat led to a collision with a tree near the runway, followed by a ground loop and nose-over.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that while on final approach and initiating the flare, forward visibility from the rear seat was limited, preventing him from seeing the approach end of the runway. During this phase, the aircraft collided with a tree approximately eight feet tall, located about 100 feet from the approach end of the runway.
Sequence of Events
Following the impact with the tree, the aircraft yawed to the left and descended to the ground. Upon touchdown, the aircraft ground looped and subsequently nosed over.
Pilot Report
The pilot noted that the restricted view from the rear seat during the flare contributed to the inability to visually acquire the runway threshold before the collision.