Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path at night, which resulted in a tree strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, on final approach at night, while speaking with the control tower, the airplane's left horizontal stabilizer struck a tree. The pilot added full power, pitched up, the airplane yawed left, and he resumed final approach. The airplane landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.
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 GAA18CA243 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gainesville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Gainesville Rgnl (GNV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 310
- N-number
- N2212A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- 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.