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Airplane Strikes Trees During Night Approach, Lands Safely (N714KL)

Hartford, CT, US

On December 22, 2004, a Piper PA-46-350P (registration N714KL) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartford, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during the approach to the runway. A factor related to the accident was the nighttime conditions. 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

During a nighttime approach, a passenger alerted the pilot that they were low, and the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. The airplane struck trees about 2 miles from the runway threshold but landed uneventfully. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the left wing spar, landing gear door, flap, horizontal stabilizer, and recognition light.

Incident Overview

During a nighttime approach to an airport, the passenger alerted the pilot that the airplane was flying low. Shortly thereafter, the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted trees located approximately 2 miles from the runway threshold. Despite the collision, the pilot continued the approach and landed the aircraft without further incident.

Damage Assessment

Following the uneventful landing, an examination of the airplane was conducted. The inspection revealed damage to the leading edge of the left wing, specifically to the spar. Additional damage was found on the left landing gear door, left flap, and left horizontal stabilizer. The left wing outboard recognition light was also damaged, and its fixture cavity contained numerous tree buds, consistent with the tree strike.

Operational Details

The incident occurred in nighttime conditions. No other contributing factors or operational details were provided in the source material.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 2004 Piper PA-46-350P accident near Hartford, CT?

During a nighttime approach, a passenger alerted the pilot that they were low, and the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. The airplane struck trees about 2 miles from the runway threshold but landed uneventfully. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the left wing spar, landing gear door, flap, horizontal…

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 2004 Piper PA-46-350P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 2004 involved a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N714KL, at Hartford, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during the approach to the runway. A factor related to the accident was the nighttime conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050121X00090. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.