Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control during the go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing the airplane at a private landing strip on his property. The flag near the landing location indicated a calm wind. The pilot said that the airplane encountered some turbulence and wind gusts during the landing approach. He attempted a go-around and made a right turn to avoid the rising terrain. He said that he did not maintain flying speed and the airplane impacted trees and the wing spars were substantially damaged. The pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA183 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 8, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N2986P
- 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.