GAA18CA243

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, on final approach at night, while speaking with the control tower, the left horizontal stabilizer struck a tree. The pilot added full power, pitched up, the airplane yawed left, and he resumed final approach. The airplane landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, on final approach at night, while speaking with the control tower, the airplane's left horizontal stabilizer struck a tree. The pilot added full power, pitched up, the airplane yawed left, and he resumed final approach. The airplane landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Effect on operation