GAA18CA411

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during a pleasure flight, he decided to land on a relative's asphalt driveway. He added that, during the landing, a gust of wind "caught a wing" and the airplane was forced onto the driveway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a fence during the landing roll. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system located about 13 nautical miles southeast from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 130° at 7 knots. The pilot landed uphill to the north. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was light and variable. The pilot reported that, during a pleasure flight, he decided to land on a relative's asphalt driveway. He added that, during the landing, a wind gust "caught a wing," and the airplane was forced onto the driveway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a fence during the landing roll. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder, and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system located about 13 nautical miles southeast from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 130° at 7 knots. The pilot landed the airplane uphill to the north. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was light and variable.   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-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Contributed to outcome