The pilot decided to use a known closed runway to land at the airport in Belleville, Michigan, due to the wind conditions.
During the approach to the dry turf runway, he reported the airplane was “considerably too high and almost certainly too fast.”
He deployed full flaps, and the airplane started to descend “steeply” toward the end of the runway. When the airplane touched down on the runway, it bounced, and then departed the runway straight ahead.
The airplane crossed a road and crashed into several trees next to a home. The airplane came to rest upright, and the pilot was able to get out of the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, while the pilot sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The pilot told investigators that during the approach, he should have performed a go-around and established a stabilized approach.
According to the FAA Airport/Facility Directory, the runway the pilot selected to use is not listed for use at the airport.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land on a closed runway.
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This October 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.
Look at the bright side, this will finally give the pilot an excuse to give that airplane what appears to be a badly needed paint job.
“The pilot decided to use a known closed runway to land at the airport in Belleville, Michigan, due to the wind conditions.”
If I’m the FAA Czar, I’m pulling his certificate and using it for kindling.