Piper PA 32-300 N812WM accident near Apopka, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance/altitude while on the final leg of the approach.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the Piper PA 32-300, the purpose of the flight was to deliver the airplane to the new owner. While on the final leg of the approach, "everything was normal and the approach was stable." As the airplane approached the runway he saw yellow water filled barrels, depicting the displaced threshold. Assuming he would clear the barrels, he began to focus on the runway, failing to maintain an adequate flight path and clearance with the barrels. As a result, the left main geared struck one of the barrels and "sheared it off," causing substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to impact.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA128 for the full record.