Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during short final approach to his private airstrip, a gust of wind blew his airplane left into trees, where it came to rest. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wind was recorded as calm at an airport approximately 8 miles from the accident site, about 24 minutes after the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA336 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 23, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Grange, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N5439E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.