Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was on final approach to a private grass airstrip. He stated that his vision was obscured due to the sun glaring off a nearby pond. The airplane drifted left of the intended touchdown point and struck a small tree. The pilot was unable to see the tree in time to avoid the collision. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that he should have not continued the approach with obscured vision.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA116 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Laotto, Indiana
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CCX-2000
- N-number
- N358AK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- 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.