Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after landing, while making a 180° left turn at the end of the runway, the right wing struck a tree branch.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.
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 GAA18CA417 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shelter Island, New York
- Nearest airport
- Klenawicus Airfield (NY03)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Travel Air 2000
- N-number
- N8870
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1929
- 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.