Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue a visual approach with low visibility and in heavy rain and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that while attempting to land in heavy rain and with low visibility, the airplane collided with trees to the right side of the runway before descending and impacting the runway. The collision damaged the left wing, collapsed the landing gear, and substantially damaged the engine firewall. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident. Although the nearest weather observation facility reported no precipitation and 10-mile visibility, it was located 28 miles from the accident location.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA309 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 21, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greene, New York
- Nearest airport
- Greene Airport (4N7)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A23
- N-number
- N3548R
- 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.