NTSB Factual Report

On March 14, 2002, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 170B, N8065A, sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees and terrain at Taylor Airport (3WA0), a private airstrip near Rainier, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane is owned by a private party, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Western Airpark, Yelm, Washington, approximately 10 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that as he cleared the trees on final approach, he "...eased the nose over and powered back to descend to the runway. The aircraft began to settle very fast (much more than usual), I added power, but before the power could take hold, the left wing struck a tree about 2 inches from the tip." The aircraft then collided with nearby trees as it fell to the ground, and came to rest nose down approximately 100 feet from the approach end of the runway.

At 1354, the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at Olympia, Washington (KOLM), approximately 11 nautical miles west of the accident site, reported winds 220 degrees at 11 knots, few clouds at 2900 feet, broken clouds at 4800 feet, visibility 10 statue miles, temperature 6 degrees Celsius, dew point 1 degree Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.23 inches.

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failure on the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper decent rate on approach. A factor was the trees in close proximity to the airport.