Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from airport lighting during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the high-performance, tailwheel-equipped biplane, he landed on a turf airstrip which he described as "long and wide." He added that "there was no wind." During the landing roll, he taxied the biplane along the right edge of the runway, and the lower right wing struck a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) control box. The pilot reported that the accident was caused by a lack of situational awareness during the landing roll.
The PAPI lights were identified in the airport facility directory.
The biplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right-wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA564 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 28, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skagit, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Skagit Rgnl (BVS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing PT 13
- N-number
- N43JM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1943
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.