Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, on short final, he decided to go around. He added that, during the go-around, the airplane "developed a severe vibration," so he made a precautionary landing with the gear retracted. The airplane slid, exited the runway, and impacted terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the external longerons on the lower fuselage and engine mounts.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector 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 GAA18CA540 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Stroudsburg-Pocono (N53)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Yakovlev YAK 52
- N-number
- N3042W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1982
- 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.