# NTSB SEA03LA141: Great Lakes 2T-1A-2, N16GL, Newman Lake, WA, July 17, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 16, 2003, 20:00 local (Jul 17, 2003, 03:00 UTC) - Place: Newman Lake, WA - Coordinates: 47.734722, -117.071113 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7347&lon=-117.0711&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 25, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 57509 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA03LA141 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57509/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA141 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while on final approach for landing. Trees and inadequate visual lookout were factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground - Nose over, landing ## Analysis The pilot reported that forward visibility from the rear seat is limited during the flare and he could not see the approach end of the runway. While on final approach and starting the flare, the aircraft collided with an approximate eight foot tall tree located about 100 feet from the approach end of the runway. The aircraft yawed to the left and descended to the ground. When it touched down, it ground looped and subsequently nosed over. ## Factual narrative On July 16, 2003, approximately 2000 Pacific daylight time a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2, N16GL, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees and subsequently the terrain while on final approach for landing at Ellerport Airport, Newman Lake, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from the same location about 30 minutes prior to the accident. In a written statement, the pilot reported that forward visibility is limited (pilot seated in rear seat) while in the flare. While on final approach to runway 19 and starting the flare, the pilot could not see the asphalt approach end of the runway. At this time, the aircraft collided with an approximate eight foot tall tree that was located about 100 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The impact yawed the aircraft to the left and descended to the ground. When it touched down, it ground looped and subsequently nosed over. All four wings sustained spar damage. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N16GL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N16GL), registered now, S/N 0772 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 - Registry model: [Great Lakes 2T-1A-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/great-lakes-2t-1a-2) (registry code 3910101) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 0772 - Airframe hours: 809 - Engines: Lycoming IO360-B1G6 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Larry E. Howard - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 10, 2002, 77 hours before - Departed: WN54, Newman Lake, WA - Destination: WN54, Newman Lake, WA - Airport: WN54, Ellerport Airport, runway 19, 2,600 × 60 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review June 29, 2002; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,464 total, 475 in this make and model, 1,218 as pilot in command, 76 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: SFF, 10 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20030716015779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030716015779A), Jul 16, 2003: Grtlks 2T1A2, Newman Lake, WA, Substantial damage. (-23) At approximately 2015 PDT, the aircraft was conducting a long final approach for runway 19 at the Ellerport Airport (WN54). The runway is 2600 feet long… ## Other investigations on N16GL (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB GAA17CA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA125), Jan 28, 2017: Great Lakes 2T1A (N16GL), Canon City, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unstabilized approach. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.