NONE · Piper PA-31T1 · 2003-04-17 · Wheeling, IL, USA
Event
NTSB number
CHI03IA108
Event ID
20030418X00532
Type
Incident
Date
2003-04-17
Location
Wheeling, IL, USA
Coordinates
42.114166, -87.90139
Injuries
Highest injury
NONE
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
2
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-31T1
Registration
N855JL
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
MINR
Conditions
Light
—
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance and the inadequate glidepath which resulted in a collision with a utility pole. Contributing factors were the lack of experience in the incident airplane by the left seat pilot, the visual illusion of a narrower runway, inadequate crew coordination of both pilots, and the improper use of aircraft by the flying club's management. The unlighted utility pole and the civil twilight light conditions were additional factors.