No fatalities

30 Apr 2018: CESSNA 310 G — Gainesville, FL

Gainesville, FL, United States

On 30 Apr 2018, a CESSNA 310 G was involved in an aviation accident near Gainesville, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path at night, which resulted in a tree strike. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a night final approach, a pilot struck a tree with the left horizontal stabilizer, then added power and landed safely. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the stabilizer with no mechanical malfunctions reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that, while on final approach at night and communicating with the control tower, the left horizontal stabilizer of the airplane struck a tree. In response, the pilot applied full power and pitched up, causing the airplane to yaw to the left. The pilot then resumed the final approach and landed without further incident.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer as a result of the collision with the tree. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The event occurred during night conditions, and the pilot was in contact with air traffic control at the time of the strike.

Conclusion

The sequence involved a nighttime approach, a tree strike, and a subsequent go-around and landing. The only damage was to the left horizontal stabilizer, and no injuries were reported.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation