Summary
On April 12, 2018, a Cessna A185 (N8702Z) was involved in an incident near Sterling, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land due to the sun glare.
The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, the sun was directly in his eyes. He added, the airplane drifted to the left and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane continued to the left, struck more trees, and came to rest off the left side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA211. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8702Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land due to the sun glare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, the sun was directly in his eyes. He added, the airplane drifted to the left and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane continued to the left, struck more trees, and came to rest off the left side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA211