Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land, resulting in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during a landing at an airstrip, he did not realize that he was not centered on the airstrip. The pilot reported that the left wing tip struck a tree during the approach to land. He reported that he tried to control the airplane after the initial impact, however the left wing impacted a second tree, and the airplane collided with the terrain coming to rest in the brush. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA008 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glennallen, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA
- N-number
- N7879H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.