Plane Crash Reports 2003

2003 Plane Crash Report Result

Title: IPER PA-28-180, N5320L, WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHILE LANDING A

Report Date: 10/16

Plane Crash Problem: On October 12, 2003, at 1905 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N5320L, was substantially damaged while landing at the Delaware Airpark (33N), Cheswold, Maryland. The certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured, and a passenger was seriously injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated from the Hazelton Municipal Airport (HZL), Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the passenger, they departed 33N about 1100, and proceeded HZL. The passenger recalled that the flight was smooth, and that there was a bit of a headwind. She did notice that pilot switched fuel tanks from the left to the right tank during the flight. On the return trip, the flight departed HZL, approximately 1800. The pilot commented to the passenger that they had a good tail wind, and that the fuel burn would be low. The passenger did not recall observing the pilot switch fuel tanks during the return flight. When they arrived in the Cheswold area, the passenger heard the pilot announce "downwind" on the radio, and that the airplane began to descend. On final approach to runway 27, she noticed off to her right that a tree was above them, and at that time she felt a bump. The passenger then observed power lines, saw a bright flash, and did not recall anything further. The passenger also stated that the final approach felt unusual because they normally land at 33N on runway 9, not runway 27. On October 13, 2003, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage site. He observed that the airplane had struck a 54-foot high utility pole at the 46-foot level, approximately 1,500 feet prior to the runway. The airplane came to rest in a vertical position, with the propeller imbedded in the ground. Large concave dents were observed on the leading edge of the right wing, which was separated from the fuselage. The wreckage was retained for further examination. The utility pole was equipped with a red marker light, which was subject to an active Notice to Airman (NOTAM) issued on September 29, 2003, by the airport manager at 33N, as being inoperative. The weather reported at a nearby airport about the time of accident, included winds from 280 degrees at 5 knots and clear skies.

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