GAA18CA254

Factual narrative

The pilot performed a steep approach over tree-covered descending terrain to the tree lined runway. He reported that on the approach the airplane "encountered significant low-level wind shear and sink" about 800ft prior to the runway. He aborted the landing, but the airplane impacted the ground 150ft short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both engine mounts and the right-wing spar. The AWOS located on the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 13 knots and gusting to 22 knots. The density altitude was reported as 4,000ft and the pilot landed to runway 20, a 3,560ft long runway. The airport facility directory states that runway 20 has a non-standard entry due to rising terrain at the approach end, along with 81ft tall trees that are 560ft from the approach end of the runway. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by avoiding non-standard or steep approaches to runway 20 in gusting wind conditions. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot performed a steep approach over tree-covered descending terrain to the tree-lined runway. He reported that, on the approach, the airplane "encountered significant low-level wind shear and sink" about 800 ft before the runway. He aborted the landing, but the airplane impacted the ground 150 ft short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both engine mounts and the right-wing spar. The AWOS located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 13 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The density altitude was reported as 4,000 ft, and the pilot landed on runway 20, which was 3,560 ft long. The airport facility directory stated that runway 20 has a nonstandard entry due to rising terrain at the approach end, along with 81-ft-tall trees that were 560 ft from the approach end of the runway. In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by avoiding nonstandard or steep approaches to runway 20 in gusting wind conditions. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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 Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation