Aeronca 65 C N22173 accident near Gilliam, Louisiana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a dark-colored utility pole while taxiing for takeoff.

NTSB analysis

According to the private pilot, he was practicing stop-and-go landings, and after the second landing, he taxied the airplane back to the east end to prepare for a third takeoff. While making a wide right turn, he was looking in the direction of the turn and failed to see an estimated 4 1/2-ft-tall utility pole. The left-wing lift strut contacted the pole and separated from the fuselage at the lower attachment point. The pilot stated that there were no markings or warnings placed nearby, which allowed the dark-colored pole to blend into the background. Following the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge contacted the airport owner who agreed to paint the pole to make it more visible to prevent a reoccurrence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19TA196 for the full record.