Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while turning to the base leg at the uncontrolled airport, he heard and observed inbound traffic on a straight in approach for the same runway. The pilot turned the airplane to avoid the conflicting traffic and subsequently collided with the top of an unseen dead tree snag. The pilot still had control of the airplane, and unsure of the condition of his nose wheel, he returned to his departure airport where he landed without incident. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. 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 WPR22LA297 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yellow Pine, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Johnson Creek Airport (3U2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182B
- N-number
- N722BS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- 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.