What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-12-09 involved a Cessna 210K, registration N9449M, at Edgewater, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude/clearance will on approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the night-light conditions, an obstruction light that was not illuminated, and trees that had grown above the height of the obstruction light.

Night Visual Approach Ends with Tree Strike Before Runway (N9449M)

On December 9, 2006, a Cessna 210K (registration N9449M) was involved in an aviation accident near Edgewater, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude/clearance will on approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot on a night visual approach struck trees located about 560 feet before the runway. An obstruction light near the trees was not illuminated. No preimpact mechanical issues were found.

Incident Overview

During a night visual approach, an airplane struck the tops of trees located approximately 560 feet prior to the runway threshold and 80 feet left of the extended runway centerline. The trees, standing about 100 feet tall, were situated near a pole-mounted obstruction light. However, the obstruction light was positioned significantly lower than the surrounding trees and was not illuminated at the time of the accident.

Runway and Environmental Factors

The intended runway measured 2,500 feet in length and 48 feet in width. While the trees were depicted on the airport diagram, they would have been difficult to discern at night, likely due to poor visibility or lack of contrast.

Aircraft Examination

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions, indicating the aircraft was functioning normally before the collision.

Airport Inspection History

The airport had been inspected by the Maryland State Aviation Administration approximately eight months prior to the accident. At that time, it was found to be in satisfactory operating condition.

Subsequent Actions

About five months after the accident, an obstruction analysis was conducted, resulting in the trimming and/or removal of numerous trees surrounding the airport, including those near the obstruction light.

2006-12-09: Cessna 210K (N9449M) — Edgewater, MD