Lessons Learned: Obstacle Clearance

by Jason Schappert


Lessons Learned is a weekly feature that uncovers the details of an accident related to general aviation. At MzeroA we believe in enhancing safety through education. These stories are just a few of the many ways we do that. Be sure to subscribe to our RSS so you never miss a post!

The Report

On March 30, about 1445 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, was substantially damaged while executing a practice forced landing to the Sussex Airport (FWN), Sussex, New Jersey. The certificated flight instructor, and certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local instructional flight. No flight plan had been filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.


According to the pilot/owner, he was executing a practice forced landing to runway 3 at the Sussex Airport, with a flight instructor in the right seat. During the landing, the right main landing gear contacted the top wire of a set of wires approximately 30 feet high, and 200 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The right wing dropped, and the pilot applied full left rudder and power. The engine responded, but the airplane impacted the runway. The pilot added that he had the warning balls in sight, but did not realize there was an additional wire 4 to 6 feet higher.

The Verdict

Did I read that correctly? Wires 30 feet high 200 feet short of the runway? Sounds like dragging it in if you ask me!

We’ve all practiced emergency landings, maybe in the pattern “abeam our touchdown point, carb heat, power back, glide her on in.” or in the practice area to a nearby uncontrolled airport or even simulated on a field or road.

I understand the importance of practicing these maneuvers and do so with my students on a routine basis. Yet part of being a good pilot is executing great judgement. If you feel as though you are coming up short add power! Don’t ever chance it, make the simulation as real as possible but know when you aren’t going to make it. Remember the old cliche’ better safe than sorry?

That applies here.

Tagged as: Lessons Learned

  • Hi Jason,

    There currently is no standard for the marking of power lines. The warning balls usually get placed on the highest tension wire to prevent sagging.

    Although the actually size and color of the ball is mandated by the FAA. The utility company in charge of the lines places the warning balls.

    -Jason
  • Jason
    So here's my problem. Why weren't the warning balls on the top wire? Isn't that the purpose of the warning balls; to provide an indication of the wire tops?
  • John swallow
    Jason:

    Have to disagree with you about the pilot who contacted wires while conducting a simulated forced landing. You indicated that the pilot was "dragging it in". don't think so; thirty feet altitude two hundred back from the runway appears to be about a nine degree glide slope (to the end of the runway. What we have here is simply a lack of sufficient altitude over an obstacle

    You posit: "If you feel as though you are coming up short, add power!" Not a bad recommmendation, however, not pertinent in this case; the pilot thought everything was hunky-dory until he contacted the wires.

    Take care\

    John
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