GAA18CA443

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that as he made the approach over a river to land at his private airstrip, he "came in too low and hit a dock," that was moored to the side of the river. The airplane's propeller struck the dock and the landing gear separated from the airplane which slid about 25ft on the airstrip and came to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, as he made the approach over a river to land at his private airstrip, he "came in too low and hit a dock." The airplane's propeller struck the dock, and the landing gear separated from the airplane, which then slid about 25 ft and came to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. 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-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-(general)-Effect on operation - C