The pilot was on final approach to a private grass airstrip near Laotto, Indiana, in the CubCrafters CCX-2000. He told investigators that his vision was obscured due to the sun glaring off a nearby pond.
The airplane drifted left of the intended touchdown point and hit a small tree. The pilot was unable to see the tree in time to avoid the collision.
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage, while the pilot sustained minor injuries.
The pilot reported that he should have not continued the approach with obscured vision.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This February 2024 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.
One word: Sunglasses.
Another beautiful airplane is now scrap! Sad!
I can relate. Had near experience during a PM landing at Brackett in Pomona back during Labor Day weekend in 1970