Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an approach angle of descent to avoid obstacles, resulting in the airplane striking the airport perimeter fence.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during approach, the airplane encountered a wind gust and the landing gear struck the top of the airport's perimeter fence. The airplane flipped over and slid to a stop. According to the airport facility directory the fence was in excess of 200 feet from the approach end of the runway which was 3,237 feet in length. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder and the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
There weren't any wind reporting facilities at the airport.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA122 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 8, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gold Beach, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Gold Beach Muni (4S1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 175
- N-number
- N6951E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.