Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to conduct low-level passes above a residence and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was observed making two low-level (just above tree level) passes in front of a witness’s house. The witness made a video recording of the first pass. She reported seeing and hearing the airplane strike trees on the second pass before impacting the ground. An on-scene examination revealed airplane and tree damage consistent with the witness’s description of events. Examination of the airplane’s wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 14, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Osborn, Missouri
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N4824L
- 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.