# NTSB investigations, CA: 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 3 · 109 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA332.md): Cessna 152 · Carlsbad, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Sep 4, 2026 · N5447L · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR26LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA194.md): Autogyro Cavalon · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 13, 2026 · N40CT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, in gusting crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR26LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA143.md): Paul D Cannon Kitfox Light Squared · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 27, 2026 · N11446 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly flare the airplane during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the main landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the improper installation and over torquing of the landing gear attachment hardware,…
- [NTSB WPR26LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA148.md): Quicksilver GT-400 · Chula Vista, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 23, 2026 · N120LF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and a subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB DCA26LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA097.md): Boeing 767 · San Bernardino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 16, 2026 · N443AZ · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew’s improper derotation which resulted in a hard nose gear touchdown. Contributing to the accident was the captain and first officer’s lack of crew resource management related to communication about pitch control inputs. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB ANC25LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA032.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Redding, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 8, 2025 · N32371 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach and his delayed action to perform a go-around, resulting in a collision with the runway surface.
- [NTSB WPR25LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA028.md): Dierenfield Devin RV-6A · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 25, 2024 · N805RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a stablized approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA310.md): Cessna 177B · Redlands, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 22, 2024 · N177SX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with rocky terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24LA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA272.md): Renquist George GS-2 Sportsman · Hawthorne, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2024 · N552GC · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew’s failure to maintain airspeed during a short field landing and the instructor’s delayed remediation, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA163.md): Cessna 162 · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 25, 2024 · N6003F · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and abnormal contact with the runway. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s improper landing flare and go-around.
- [NTSB WPR22LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA167.md): Cessna 172R · Redding, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 25, 2022 · N9572W · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper landing flare and remedial action which resulted in a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA028.md): Bearhawk 4 · Redding, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2021 · N360WM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent ground loop.
- [NTSB WPR21LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA364.md): Cessna 172 · Auburn, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 19, 2021 · N84068 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate flare which resulted in a hard and bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR21LA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA331.md): Cessna 172N · Hayward, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 23, 2021 · N737GL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR21LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA188.md): Cessna 182Q · San Bernardino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 8, 2021 · N54PW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and his subsequent inadequate pitch and airplane control during a go around which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR20CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA132.md): Cook Sonex · Upland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Apr 27, 2020 · N1222C · Substantial damage
  > A gradual loss of engine power during takeoff due to the pressure regulator not keeping continuous fuel pressure which led to a precautionary off airport landing and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA105.md): Piper PA 18 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 29, 2020 · N1890A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a rapid descent rate, hard landing, and nose-over.
- [NTSB WPR20CA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA064.md): Airborne XT912 · Hawthorne, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 13, 2020 · N805M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to arrest the airplane’s descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA20CA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA034.md): Bell 47G · King City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2019 · N7060J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing and the main rotor blades striking the tailboom.
- [NTSB GAA19CA537](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA537.md): Czech Sport Sportcruiser · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2019 · N117BF · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent loss of directional control and a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA284.md): Schweizer 269C · Riverside, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 24, 2019 · N269P · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain yaw control and the engine's rpm during transition to a hover, which resulted in hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR19TA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA110.md): Kubicek BB100 · St. Helena, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 14, 2019 · N355WC · Minor damage
  > The balloon pilot's encounter with unforecasted wind, which resulted in his decision to land in unsuitable terrain and a subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the severity of passenger injury was the pilot’s failure to provide a proper safety briefing.
- [NTSB WPR18LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA226.md): Hughes 369 · Riverside, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 17, 2018 · N105JL · Substantial damage
  > The instructor’s delayed remedial action to an excessive descent rate during a simulated autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA589](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA589.md): Piper PA28R · Camarillo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 23, 2018 · N9368N · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR18LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA041.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Truckee, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2017 · N47WH · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to execute a power recovery from a non-stabilized autorotative descent, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR17LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA211.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2017 · N7514S · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm during the crosswind landing approach and his subsequent improper decision to initiate an autorotation instead of applying corrective control inputs after the helicopter experienced normal airframe vibration.…
- [NTSB GAA17CA479](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA479.md): Cessna 172 · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2017 · N1129K · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing and propeller strike for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB GAA17CA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA445.md): Cessna 170 · San Andreas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2017 · N5596C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare during an aborted go-around in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA354.md): Piper PA28 · Big Bear, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 4, 2017 · N9238W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
- [NTSB GAA17CA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA218.md): Bell 206 · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2017 · N206SA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s early increased application of the collective during a simulated hovering autorotation, which resulted in a loss of rotor rpm and subsequent main rotor blade strike of the tailboom.
- [NTSB GAA17CA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA333.md): Swearingen SA227 TT · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 12, 2017 · N53DA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach after encountering wake turbulence, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA048.md): Cessna 182 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 26, 2016 · N387CS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform a go-around when he recognized that the airplane was high and fast during the final approach, which resulted in an improper landing flare and a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA029.md): Airplane Factory Sling · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 3, 2016 · N232SL · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a porpoised hard landing and a runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA511](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA511.md): Cessna 172 · Auburn, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N7560D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA16CA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA202.md): Cessna 172 · Camarillo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2016 · N6616D · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's incorrect pitch control input, resulting in a porpoise during landing and substantial damage to the airplane's firewall.
- [NTSB GAA16CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA085.md): Kelm David Kitfox 7 · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N35KF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA248.md): Cessna 177B · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 16, 2015 · N13HK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA15LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15LA195.md): Kubicek BB100Z · Hidden Valley Lake, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2015 · N938BS · No damage
  > The balloon pilot’s deliberate hard landing to avoid power lines and trees, which resulted in serious passenger injuries.
- [NTSB GAA15CA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA106.md): Cessna 182Q · Palm Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2015 · N759ZK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the firewall.
- [NTSB GAA15CA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA063.md): Cessna 172P · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2015 · N65813 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain attitude control during the landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR15CA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA093.md): Flight Design Ctls · Hanford, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 25, 2015 · N559KC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR15CA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA068.md): Cessna E162 · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 15, 2014 · N5216N · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR14CA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA379.md): Cessna 152 · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2014 · N67367 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadequate flare resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR14TA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14TA357.md): Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 · Hemet, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 28, 2014 · N991SD · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to adequately brief and demonstrate the simulated emergency procedure to the pilot under instruction and his delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during the maneuver, which resulted in an excessive sink rate and a…
- [NTSB WPR14LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA102.md): Beech C90 · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2014 · N350WA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized night visual approach, which resulted in a hard landing and the collapse of all three landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR14CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA074.md): Cessna 172M · Fullerton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 23, 2013 · N80238 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR13LA404](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA404.md): Bell 47G5 · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2013 · N7836S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the helicopter’s center frame tube due to a fatigue crack and corrosion originating from a welded surface. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the helicopter during its most recent 100-hour…
- [NTSB WPR13LA432](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA432.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 1C · Hemet, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2013 · N9923U · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s hard landing due to the pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while on approach after shutting down the engine because of the smoke in the cockpit from a burnt wire that originated from the alternator field terminal and extended to…
- [NTSB WPR13CA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA367.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Hesperia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2013 · N7720P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed on final approach to landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB WPR13CA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA332.md): Cessna 172S · Santa Barbra, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 17, 2013 · N971TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/cases.md?state=CA&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" = 'CA' 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=CA

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