Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach due to the sun glare that obscured the pilot's vision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while landing at a remote dirt airstrip, as he turned to final approach, the runway was obscured by the glare of the morning sun. As he continued the approach to land, about 30 feet above the ground, the right wing struck trees that were next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and to the landing gear boxes. The pilot stated that had he flown a longer final he would have been able to assess the situation better. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while landing at a remote dirt airstrip, as he turned to final approach, the runway was obscured by the glare of the morning sun. As he continued the approach to land, about 30 feet above the ground, the right wing struck trees that were next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and to the landing gear boxes. The pilot stated that had he flown a longer final he would have been able to assess the situation better. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.