SEA03LA131

The pilot intended to land on runway 09, but changed her mind and elected to land on runway 27 due to a helicopter being on an apron in close proximity to the approach end of runway 09. On a one mile final to runway 27 she could see the runway with no problem, but as she approached the threshold she encountered a sun glare condition which obstructed her vision. The aircraft to veered slightly left and impacted a 15 foot high, 6 inch diameter tree, spinning it 180 degrees to the left before coming to rest in an upright, nose low, tail high attitude.

On July 9, 2003, approximately 2000 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161 single-engine airplane, N125ER, was substantially damaged when it impacted an object while landing at the Stuart Island Airpark (7WA5), Stuart Island, Washington. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Snohomish Country Airport (Paine Field), Everett, Washington, at 1920.

As reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), and in a written statement to the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that upon arrival at 7WA5 she prepared to land on runway 09. However, due to the hilly terrain between the downwind leg and the runway, she didn't observe a helicopter on the west end apron until on final approach. She then performed two consecutive go-arounds, attempting to contact the helicopter pilot while making the second approach, but there was no response. The pilot stated that she then made the decision to land east to west on runway 27, and performed a long one mile final with the runway "clearly" in view. As she approached the runway threshold, she was suddenly and totally blinded by the reflection of the sunglare off the water to the west. This resulted in the aircraft veering slightly left, impacting a tree with its left wing, and spinning the aircraft around 180 degrees before coming to rest in an upright, nose low, tail high attitude.

It was reported the left wing spar and aileron were substantially damaged, the nose landing was separated, and both propeller blades were bent aft.