Probable cause
The pilot's improper approach over a river, which resulted in a collision with a dock.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, as he made the approach over a river to land at his private airstrip, he "came in too low and hit a dock." The airplane's propeller struck the dock, and the landing gear separated from the airplane, which then slid about 25 ft and came to a stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA443 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chelan Falls, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Pvt Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built JA30 SUPERSTOL
- N-number
- N825PW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.