Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Loss of Lift on Final Approach to Grass Strip (GPZS)

Captiva, FL, US

On March 9, 1986, a Piper PA-32R (registration GPZS) was involved in an aviation accident near Captiva, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported losing lift on final approach to a 2,200-foot grass strip after passing behind a treeline. Winds at a nearby airport were reported from 100 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 18 knots.

Incident Description

A pilot reported that during a low final approach to a 2,200-foot grass strip, she lost lift as the aircraft passed below and behind a treeline. The approach was being made to runway 10. The surface winds at Fort Myers, located 18 miles away, were reported as 100 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 18 knots.

Witness Statement

According to the pilot's husband, who is also a pilot and was occupying the right front seat, his wife may have been somewhat intimidated by the seemingly short strip and may have overly compensated for the existing conditions and circumstances.

Weather Conditions

No other weather information was provided in the source.

Additional Information

No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1986 Piper PA-32R accident near Captiva, FL?

A pilot reported losing lift on final approach to a 2,200-foot grass strip after passing behind a treeline. Winds at a nearby airport were reported from 100 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 18 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1986 involved a Piper PA-32R, registration GPZS, at Captiva, FL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33129. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.