Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW96LA041

KELLER, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N2141Z

PIPER PA-28-201T

Analysis

As the airplane was flared for landing, a car drove onto the approach end of the runway directly in front of it. The pilot added full power and turned right to avoid hitting the car. After clearing the car, the airplane was heading toward a residence and the pilot began a left turn back toward the runway. The left wing tip struck a tree.

Factual Information

On November 12, 1995, at 1300 central standard time, a Piper PA- 28-201T, N2141Z, was substantially damaged when it collided with a tree during a go around near Keller, Texas. The commercial pilot and the pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. The personal flight, conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, originated in Seguin, Texas, at 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that she was flaring for landing on runway 17 at the Hillcrest Airport when a car drove onto the approach end of the runway "directly in front" of the airplane. The pilot further reported she added full power, raised the nose, and turned right to avoid hitting the car. After clearing the car, the airplane was heading toward a residence and the pilot began a left turn back towards the runway. The "left wing tip then struck a small tree in a yard." Subsequently, the left wing "hit the ground and the aircraft came to rest nose down approximately 100 yards south of the tree." Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the firewall.

Probable Cause and Findings

the inadequate visual lookout by the driver of the vehicle resulting in his obstructing the runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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