Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to the runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after maneuvering in the local area for about 45 minutes, he returned to his home airport for landing. During the final approach, the airplane sunk below the proper glidepath, and he increased the power three separate times, but the airplane continued to sink. Subsequently, the airplane struck a seawall located about 380 ft from the runway threshold, which resulted in the propeller separating from the propeller hub and the collapse of the landing gear.
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector who interviewed the pilot after the accident, the pilot reported that the engine did not contribute to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Albert Whitted (SPG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech T 34B
- N-number
- N18PS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- 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.