Pilot Debrief

S C AEROSTAR S A YAK-52 near Toughkenamon, PA — 2023-03-22

Final reportERA23LA198
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Date
2023-03-22
Location
Toughkenamon, PA, USA
Airport
N57
Aircraft
S C AEROSTAR S A YAK-52
Registration
N669YK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines while on approach to land.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the destination airport the airplane unexpectedly began to descend. The pilot added power, pitched up, and arrested the descent. Seeing no obstacles in front of the airplane, the pilot elected to continue the approach and subsequently impacted power lines; the impact resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron. The pilot reported that he never saw the powerlines and therefore did not make any attempt to avoid them. The pilot reported that there were no known preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation during the flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a safer altitude to avoid powerlines during approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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