Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the trees during a go-around.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach the pilot thought that he was too high to land safely, so he executed a go-around. During the climb out, the pilot felt a thump and the airplane turned about 90° and “mushed into the tree tops.” The airplane subsequently nosed into the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA340 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Floyds Knobs, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Private (PRIV)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SUPERSTOL
- N-number
- N852SK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2016
- 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.