Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach, which resulted in impact with a fence and terrain.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, while on final approach at night, he slowed the airplane to about 87 knots and extended 20ยบ of flaps. He then realized the airplane's altitude was low, so he initiated a go-around, but the right main landing gear struck a fence, and the airplane impacted terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The student 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 GAA19CA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Casa Grande, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Casa Grande Muni (CGZ)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N5668W
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.