NTSB Factual Report

On January 8, 2003, at 2045 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-34-200, N16453, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane struck power lines during a missed approach into the Bountiful-Sky Park Airport (BTF), Bountiful, Utah. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated at Wendover, Utah, at 1900.

In his written statement, the pilot said he set up for a traffic pattern for runway 34 at BTF. The pilot said, "When we were about 5 miles out for BTF we could clearly see the beacon light and could make out the fog that appeared to be located west of the runway. On base to final for 34, we noticed fog to the south and proceeded to go around. After flying over the runway, we perceived that the runway was clear and set up for an approach to runway 16. There did not appear to be fog over the runway, or to the north of the runway. At about 2045 on short final for runway 16 with runway lights in sight and everything going as planned, we descended into a patch of fog. We initiated a go around, applying full power and pitching up, and some how we [got] off course on a heading to the east. On the climb out seconds after we went around we struck an object with the aircraft." The pilot said they regained control of the airplane and got the gear and flaps up. He said they turned north to head for Ogden, Utah. En route, the pilot said he noticed the gear warning lights were on so he lowered the gear. The nose gear light was not lit. The pilot said he assumed the nose gear was damaged. The pilot elected to land at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. An uneventful approach was accomplished. On landing, the airplane's nose cowling was set down on the runway. The airplane skidded down the runway on its nose cowling until it came to a stop.

An examination of the accident area showed broken power poles and downed power lines in the area of BTF. The nose gear was found with the downed power lines. It had been broken aft. An examination of the airplane revealed the bottom portions of the bulkheads and stringers aft of the airplane's nose gear were bent and broken aft. The propeller blades were twisted torsionally and bent aft at the tips. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's engines, controls, and other systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines and his improper in flight planning and decision to maneuver on a go around without noting where the power lines were. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inability to see the power lines, the dark night, the fog, and the power lines.