Event GAA18CA405

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during approach to a backcountry, private dirt airstrip, the wind was swirling, and he decided to go around. During the second landing attempt, when the airplane descended below the treetops surrounding the airstrip preventing his ability to safety perform a go around, a wind gust from behind pushed the airplane past the end of the runway into trees. 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 pilot reported that the wind was variable at 15 knots, gusting 15 to 20 knots. The pilot reported that, during approach to a backcountry, private dirt airstrip, the wind was swirling, and he decided to go around. During the second landing attempt, the airplane descended below the treetops surrounding the airstrip, which prevented the pilot's ability to safely perform a go around, and a wind gust from behind the airplane pushed it past the end of the runway into trees. 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 pilot reported that the wind was variable at 15 knots, gusting to 15 to 20 knots. 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
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome