Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach.
NTSB analysis
While on a low final approach, the airplane encountered a downdraft over an area of trees. The pilot initiated full engine power; however, the airplane continued to settle until the right landing gear impacted the top branches of a tree. The pilot was able to continue the approach and landed successfully. Once back to the hangar the pilot exited the airplane and discovered that the fuselage had sustained structural damage during the impact.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA419 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leander, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Kittie Hill (77T)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-11
- N-number
- N4969M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.