Event GAA18CA375

Factual narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a flight at dusk, with high gray overcast clouds, he circled over a lake and began the approach to land. He added that his depth perception was off, he misjudged the approach, and the airplane struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 6 miles northwest of the accident site reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was calm, scattered clouds at 4,100 ft and overcast clouds at 6,000 ft. The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a flight at dusk with high, gray overcast clouds, he circled over a lake and began the approach to land. He added that his depth perception was off, he misjudged the approach, and the airplane struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 6 miles northwest of the accident site reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was calm, scattered clouds at 4,100 ft, and overcast clouds at 6,000 ft. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or 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
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Flat light-Effect on personnel - C
• — Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Perception-Pilot
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome