Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of the airplane’s speed and the distance remaining during landing and his improper decision to not abort the landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane stated that he began the approach high and made a steeper and faster approach to land than normal to clear cranes located near the end of the runway. He landed the airplane long and, instead of going around, continued with the landing. The airplane went off the runway and into the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and that the accident was caused by his poor judgment to continue with the landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Albert Whitted (SPG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VELOCITY SUV
- N-number
- N753GK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.