Amateur-built WAG AERO/SPT TRAINER N24188 accident near Hendersonville, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s unstabilized approach and failure to attain the proper touchdown point while attempting to land in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an attempted go-around and collision with trees and power lines.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he attempted to land on his private airstrip but that he "landed long" due to "gusty crosswind conditions." Upon touchdown, a wind gust lifted the right wing, which resulted in the right wheel lifting off the ground. He added that he then performed a go-around, and that, due to the "high angle of attack" while attempting to clear trees and power lines, he did not have visibility out of his front windscreen. Subsequently, the airplane struck a tree and two power lines. The airplane descended, impacted the ground, and was consumed by a fire started by the severed power lines.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage.

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system located about 7 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported wind from 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed to the southwest.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA183 for the full record.