PIPER PA-32R-300 near Manteo, NC — 2009-01-13

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure while landing with a low ceiling.

NTSB narrative

During a global-positioning-system approach at his destination airport, the pilot was unable to see the runway at the missed approach point until he had just retracted the landing gear to go-around and circle to land. He lined up with the runway too low and struck trees. The airplane came to rest on the porch roof of a residence. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wings, fuselage, and empennage had sustained substantial damage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were discovered. The airport elevation was 14 feet mean sea level (msl). The required ceiling for a straight in approach was 440 feet msl. The required ceiling for a circling approach was 600 feet msl. The ceiling at the time of the accident was 300 feet above ground level.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Approach-circling (IFR)

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