GAA19CA069

Factual narrative

The owner of the airplane reported that he hired the accident pilot to fly him to the destination airport. During the initial approach, they were not able to see the airport environment due to the haze, but both were able to see the ground. The pilot continued to use the GPS for navigation and once they were above the airport, they were able to see the runway. The pilot then made a 180º turn to align for a final approach to runway 27; however, the approach was not stabilized so the pilot initiated a go-around. After the climb out, he turned 180º for a final approach to runway 09. The airplane touched down nose landing gear first, then immediately veered left and exited the runway. The pilot attempted another go-around, but the airplane struck a tree and impacted the airport perimeter fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The owner reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During the initial approach, the pilot and airplane owner were not able to see the airport environment due to haze, but both of them were able to see the ground. The pilot continued to use the GPS for navigation, and once the airplane was above the airport, they were able to see the runway. The pilot then made a 180º turn to align for a final approach; however, the approach was not stabilized, so the pilot initiated a go-around. After the climbout, he made another 180º turn for final approach to the opposite runway. The airplane touched down on the nose landing gear first and then immediately veered left and exited the runway. The pilot attempted another go-around, but the airplane struck a tree and then an airport perimeter fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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 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
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Effect on operation - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Effect on operation - C