# NTSB investigations, AZ: Hard landing

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 62 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA328.md): Bell OH-58A · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Sep 3, 2026 · N480FT · Substantial damage
  > On September 3, 2026, about 0932 mountain standard time, a Bell OH-58, N480FT, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Deer Valley, Arizona. The pilots did not sustain any injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code…
- [NTSB DCA26LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA285.md): Leigh Aerosystems E100 · Douglas, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 26, 2026 · N1224E · Substantial damage
  > Degraded engine and propeller performance during hot and high-density altitude operations, which resulted in a high descent rate and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR25LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA189.md): American Eurocopter AS350B3 · San Luis, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 25, 2025 · N3951A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to properly recover the helicopter during an autorotative landing and the instructor pilot’s failure to intervene, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA183.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Maricopa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 6, 2024 · N7514V · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s unstabilized approach during an autorotation that resulted in hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA116.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 NG · Coolidge, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 21, 2024 · N755LA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing in gusty wind conditions. Contributing, was the failure of the flight instructor to intervene in a timely manner.
- [NTSB WPR24LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA006.md): Ultramagic N-300 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 3, 2023 · N27MU · No damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR23LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA238.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 17, 2023 · N28034 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR23LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA169.md): Remos Acft Gmbh Flugzeugbau Remos GX · Glendale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 27, 2023 · N76GX · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB WPR23LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA182.md): Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-2B · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 2, 2023 · N774JP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing in a dust devil.
- [NTSB WPR22LA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA359.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Mesa, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 26, 2022 · N252SC · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter’s rate of descent, resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA106.md): Mckenzie John P Europa XS · Tucson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 19, 2022 · N523WS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA066.md): Cameron Balloons U S A-315 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 20, 2021 · N317RR · No damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain balloon control during a high wind landing, which resulted in a serious passenger injury.
- [NTSB WPR21LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA186.md): Cessna 172P · Tucson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 8, 2021 · N54140 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper pitch control and landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounce and subsequent porpoised landing.
- [NTSB WPR21LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA150.md): Cessna 150L · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2021 · N1390Q · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper flare which resulted in a bounced, hard landing and loss of control in a gusting crosswind.
- [NTSB WPR21LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA053.md): Air Creation Buggy · Benson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 13, 2020 · N2764N · Substantial damage
  > The non-rated pilot’s unstable approach and failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in a hard landing and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA005.md): Cessna 150 · Rimrock, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2020 · N22979 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway excursion.
- [NTSB WPR20LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA333.md): Ultramagic N500 · Peoria, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2020 · N500UM · No damage
  > The balloon's encounter with unexpected windshear, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injuries.
- [NTSB WPR20CA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA293.md): Cessna 172 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2020 · N103VK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper pitch attitude and landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructors delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB WPR20CA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA084.md): Cessna 150 · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 25, 2020 · N31ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper approach and landing flare, which resulted in a stall and a subsequent hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA070.md): Eurocopter AS 350 · Santa Rosa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 6, 2017 · N790AM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA15LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15LA015.md): Ultramagic N210 · Peoria, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 2015 · N210UM · Minor damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing after noting a higher-than-anticipated wind speed and the balloon's high descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA15CA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA003.md): Schupp Edward W SKY Ranger II · San Manuel, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 7, 2015 · N132ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB WPR15CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA043.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Prescott, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 15, 2014 · N32VH · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain helicopter control during the autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent roll over.
- [NTSB WPR14CA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA259.md): Beech A23 24 · Sedona, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 21, 2014 · N3611Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain directional control during the aborted landing.
- [NTSB WPR14CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA260.md): Piper PA 28-181 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2014 · N928PA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.
- [NTSB WPR14CA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA274.md): Cessna 172 - R · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 19, 2014 · N1590W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR14CA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA193.md): Kalman George Lancair 360 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2014 · N521SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR13CA375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA375.md): Cessna 172S · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2013 · N544ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR13CA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA155.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Chino Valley, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 18, 2013 · N223G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during the pinnacle landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB WPR13LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA099.md): Goetz Helicycle · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2013 · N143PG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly install and secure the wire connecting the electronic speed controller unit to the fuel controller actuator motor, which resulted in the wire’s disconnection in flight and the resultant partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR13CA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA028.md): Sport Plane Dynamics Lightning · Casa Grande, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2012 · N121L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to follow specified procedures for an aborted landing and loss of control during the attempt.
- [NTSB WPR12LA423](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA423.md): Barney Stardustrer SA-100 · Chandler, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2012 · N1356Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to a fuel line failure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adhere to the maintenance inspection criteria for the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR12CA425](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA425.md): Cessna 172N · Eloy, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2012 · N8293E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare, and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR12CA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA380.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Wickenburg, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2012 · N309PA · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s delayed response in correcting the student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR12CA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA337.md): Cessna 172 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 28, 2012 · N8100B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR11CA470](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA470.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Chandler, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2011 · N8056B · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's and pilot-undergoing-instruction's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR11LA471](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA471.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2011 · N316PA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare and hard landing, which resulted in the failure of the nose landing gear drag link in overstress.
- [NTSB WPR11LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA364.md): Nicholson 2000 · Sedona, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2011 · N671T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR11CA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA357.md): Cessna 175 · Greer, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N9402B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a nose gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR11CA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA243.md): Bell 206B3 · Glendale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 27, 2011 · N59383 · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during the autorotation.
- [NTSB WPR11CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA031.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Prescott, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 29, 2010 · N844SH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and the certificated flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and rollover.
- [NTSB WPR10CA467](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA467.md): Sport Plane Dynamics Lightning · Glendale, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 22, 2010 · N121L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and loss of directional control.
- [NTSB WPR10LA426](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA426.md): Grob-Werke G 120A · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2010 · N865AF · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR10LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA240.md): Piper PA-34-220T · Sedona, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2010 · N110RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR10LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA161.md): Head Balloons AX9 118 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2010 · N3087D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the balloon’s rapid deflation system, which resulted in its inhibited functionality during landing.
- [NTSB WPR10CA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA081.md): Cessna 182P · Payson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2009 · N11PG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR10CA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA086.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Nogales, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 3, 2009 · N2085T · Substantial damage
  > The student's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action.
- [NTSB WPR10CA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA028.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 22, 2009 · N105LN · Substantial damage
  > The improper use of the throttle by the pilot receiving instruction, and the check pilot's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in the collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR09FA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA464.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Tucson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2009 · N103LN · Substantial damage
  > The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR09CA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA360.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Jerome, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 21, 2009 · N747ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm's, and the certified flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/cases.md?state=AZ&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AZ' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '092')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/cases?state=AZ

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.