Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA082

Brooksville, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N497DA

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20

Analysis

According to the pilot, while in the vicinity of an unfamiliar airport, he used his global positioning system (GPS) to align the airplane with the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted mailboxes and fences, and the pilot realized that he had landed on a residential street. The runway was about 1.5 miles to the west. According to a representative of the flight school that operated the airplane, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. Examination of the airplane revealed that the wings sustained substantial damage.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, while in the vicinity of an unfamiliar airport, he utilized his global positioning system (GPS) to align the airplane with the runway. During the landing roll, while impacting mailboxes and fences, the pilot realized he had landed on a residential street. The runway was about one and a one-half miles to the west. According to a representative of the flight school, the standard operating procedure required all pilots to utilize the GPS for all approaches. The representative further stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that responded to the accident location, the wings sustained substantial damage.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's incorrect identification of the runway, which resulted in an off-airport landing and subsequent collision with objects.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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