This October 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Aviat A-1.
Location: Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land in a farm field. As he was nearing touchdown, the main landing gear hit the top of a wire fence and the left wing hit a wooden fence post. When the airplane settled on the ground, the landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid to a stop.
The pilot said there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Probable cause: The pilot’s misjudging the altitude and distance during the approach that led to an undershoot and inadequate obstacle clearance.
