Pilot Debrief

Aeronca 65 C near Gilliam, LA — 2019-06-26

Final reportCEN19TA196
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Date
2019-06-26
Location
Gilliam, LA, USA
Airport
LA54
Aircraft
Aeronca 65 C
Registration
N22173
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a dark-colored utility pole while taxiing for takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the private pilot, he was practicing stop-and-go landings, and after the second landing, he taxied the airplane back to the east end to prepare for a third takeoff. While making a wide right turn, he was looking in the direction of the turn and failed to see an estimated 4 1/2-ft-tall utility pole. The left-wing lift strut contacted the pole and separated from the fuselage at the lower attachment point. The pilot stated that there were no markings or warnings placed nearby, which allowed the dark-colored pole to blend into the background. Following the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge contacted the airport owner who agreed to paint the pole to make it more visible to prevent a reoccurrence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for obstacles before making the turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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