Amateur-built VP1 N3831W accident near Grove City, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A collision with terrain during the landing approach for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB analysis

A witness saw the experimental amateur-built airplane as it performed takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. After completing several circuits, she again saw the airplane on final approach to land about ¼-mile from the runway threshold. The airplane suddenly "jerked" left, away from the runway centerline, and continued that track in a shallow descent until it impacted a berm off the left side of the runway about 750 ft beyond the threshold. The witness reported that, before impact, the engine sound was smooth and continuous and did not change in pitch or intensity. The engine sound continued uninterrupted until impact. The private pilot was unable to recall any details of the accident. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation; therefore, the reason for the deviation from the approach path and subsequent impact with terrain could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA358 for the full record.