SERS · DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 · 2017-10-17 · Gustavus, OH, USA
Event
NTSB number
CEN18LA014
Event ID
20171017X51841
Type
Accident
Date
2017-10-17
Location
Gustavus, OH, USA
Coordinates
41.453609, -80.692779
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
1
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC
Model
DA 40
Registration
N105MK
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s geographic disorientation while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern in dark night conditions, which resulted in the airplane descending below a normal approach path and a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent night flight experience.