NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors included the tree and the sunglare condition.