28 Oct 2011: CESSNA 172F — OTTO JOHN C

28 Oct 2011: CESSNA 172F — OTTO JOHN C

No fatalities • Smoketown, PA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in a collision with a tree.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that, while on final approach for landing, he descended the airplane too low and the airplane's left wing contacted a tree. The airplane veered left and continued to descend before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both left and right wings and the engine firewall. The inspector's postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 030/03kt, vis 10sm

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