Cessna T210 N5EC accident near Waterford, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot's unstabilized approach at night, which resulted in collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the airplane reported that, while on an instrument flight rules approach to land in instrument meteorological conditions at night, he was "a little late descending" on the glideslope. He added that, during the approach, he increased the descent rate and became "a little right of course." He noticed approach lights but became "fixated" on the instruments while attempting to correct for being off course. Subsequently, the airplane struck the tops of trees, and he immediately pulled up. He landed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, empennage, and fuselage.

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

The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, that the wind was from 140° at 5 knots, visibility 3/4 statute mile, light rain, and clouds overcast at 200 ft. The pilot landed on runway 9 and flew the RNAV GPS runway 9 approach.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA007 for the full record.