No fatalities

5 Sep 2008: Cessna 185 — Thomas B. Prior — Newberry, MI

Newberry, MI, United States

On 5 Sep 2008, a Cessna 185 operated by Thomas B. Prior was involved in an aviation accident near Newberry, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires on approach. Contributing to the accident was the sunshine, as reported by the pilot. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a straight-in VFR approach to an uncontrolled airport struck 80-foot-high electrical wires while blinded by the sun, but recovered and landed safely. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while making a straight-in visual-flight-rules (VFR) approach into an uncontrolled airport, she experienced the sun directly in her eyes. Believing she was on the final approach for the intended runway, the airplane struck electrical wires approximately 80 feet high.

Post-Impact Actions

Upon striking the wires, the pilot added power and was able to climb to a safe altitude. She then located the correct runway and landed the airplane without further incident.

Damage Assessment

Inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the sun's glare impaired her vision during the approach, leading to the collision with the wires. No other factors were reported.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on personnel