Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate glidepath during approach, which resulted in an impact with a semi-truck.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach in visual meteorological conditions, he referenced the RNAV instrument approach for the runway to assist with vertical guidance "as [there] is no VASI [visual approach slope indicator]" for that runway. He added that he thought he was high enough as he crossed the adjacent highway, but the airplane hit a semi-truck that was traveling across the airplane's flightpath. The airplane continued on short approach, landed, and the main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the left off the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right engine firewalls and nacelle tanks.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA282 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fremont, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Fremont (14G)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA23
- N-number
- N63944
- 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.