Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and his subsequent failure to see and avoid a tree during a go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing on an unimproved airstrip, the approach was normal, but after "a longer than expected float and brief touchdown," he aborted the landing and began a go-around. Once airborne, he made a shallow left turn to avoid a cliff that was off the right side of the unimproved airstrip. Subsequently, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane then cartwheeled and impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
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 GAA18CA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 12, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rogersburg, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SER VI
- N-number
- N552EZ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.