On September 15, 2003, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N22TE) was involved in an aviation accident near Seymour, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance during the final approach to land which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing attempt on a private airstrip, an airplane drifted right, hit a tree, fell to the ground, and nosed over after the wheel lodged in a dirt berm. The right landing gear collapsed and the vertical stabilizer and upper wings were damaged.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, she was attempting to land on the right side of a private airstrip. During the final approach, the airplane drifted to the right of the runway and struck a tree. The impact caused the airplane to fall to the ground. The wheel became lodged in a dirt berm, and the airplane nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident examination revealed damage to the vertical stabilizer and the upper wings. Additionally, the right landing gear had collapsed.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.