According to the pilot, during approach to the airport in Gold Beach, Oregon, the Cessna 175 encountered a wind gust and the landing gear hit the top of the airport’s perimeter fence.
The airplane flipped over and slid to a stop.
According to the airport facility directory, the fence was in excess of 200′ from the approach end of the runway which was 3,237′ in length.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder and the vertical stabilizer.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain an approach angle of descent to avoid obstacles, resulting in the airplane striking the airport perimeter fence.
NTSB Identification: GAA16CA122
This February 2016 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.
If it’s the fence currently shown on Google Maps it’s close to 280 ft from runway 34. In total speculation, it sounds like an attempt to land very near the beginning of the runway aiming well before the runway. It’s risky. For a 3000 ft runway, touchdown at the proper airspeed at the fixed distance markers or 1000 ft leaves about three times the braking distance needed for a Skyhawk, a lot of room for error on the approach end, and a better chance of making the runway if a power failure occurs. If you want to practice precision, one way would be to aim for the fourth centerline stripe, or 800 ft into the runway, for touchdown on the fifth stripe or fixed distance markers. Don’t force it down – have the right airspeed in the roundout which will result in a safe and gentle touchdown near the desired touchdown point.