Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point, and his delayed decision to go around which, resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, he touched down “a little far” on the wet grass airstrip. Braking action did not work well so he made the decision to go around, however it was too late, and the airplane collided with trees at the end of the airstrip. The wings and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. 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 WPR22LA294 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- White Salmon, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Port Elsner (75WA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-160
- N-number
- N7485R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.