Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during an airstrip overfly, which resulted in impact damage to the left wing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while overflying a grass airstrip to land, the left wing struck a tree after crossing the departure end of the runway at treetop level. The pilot maneuvered to a local airport for an emergency landing. During landing, shortly after the airplane crossed the runway threshold, a ground observer notified the pilot that the left landing gear was not extended. The pilot then placed the landing gear selector lever in UP position, but the right gear did not retract Subsequently, the airplane ground looped shortly after touchdown and collapsed the right landing gear.
Post accident examination revealed that the left wing had substantial damage from impact with a tree. The pilot added 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 WPR23LA261 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 8, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Grande, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- La Grande/Union County (LGD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American AT-6G
- N-number
- N92761
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- 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.