# NTSB investigations, VA: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA220.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 28, 2026 · N55739 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue with an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and collision with a runway marker light and sign.
- [NTSB ERA25LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA191.md): Vans RV-12 · Chesterfield, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 28, 2025 · N4754 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the collapse of the nose landing gear.
- [NTSB ERA24LA381](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA381.md): Walden Robert Vans Aircraft RV-7A · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2024 · N65RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue with an unstabilized approach which resulted in a hard landing and loss of directional control during a subsequent landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA364.md): Cessna 172 · Louisa, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 22, 2024 · N72664 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA281.md): Textron 172 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2024 · N272HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA045.md): Bell 407 · Chesterfield, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 16, 2023 · N26VA · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing, which resulted in a main rotor strike of the left vertical stablizer.
- [NTSB ERA24LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA013.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010 · Chesterfield, VA · Accident · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2023 · N143TU · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s right wing.
- [NTSB ERA23LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA299.md): Cessna 182 · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 7, 2023 · N759HD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delay in performing a go-around after a likely encounter with low-level wind shear, resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to recognize the severity of the actual and forecasted weather near the airport…
- [NTSB ERA23LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA068.md): Piper PA28 · Manassas, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 21, 2022 · N7261F · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA22LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA285.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 22, 2022 · N6599W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB ERA22LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA222.md): Charles R Kyle Zenith Stol CH 701 · Culpepper, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 5, 2022 · N701VX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB ERA21LA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA248.md): Schweizer SGS 2-33A · Nellysford, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2021 · N33929 · No damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glide path to the runway.
- [NTSB ERA21LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA128.md): Cessna 172 · Orange, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 8, 2021 · N841SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA21LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA106.md): American AA5 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 19, 2021 · N5880L · Substantial damage
  > The weakened structure of the left horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in elevator flutter and subsequent partial separation of the left elevator in flight. Contributing to the accident were the lack of elevator authority while landing due to the damaged…
- [NTSB ERA21LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA092.md): Cessna 172S · Culpeper, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 22, 2020 · N505LP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to land the airplane in crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity.
- [NTSB ERA20CA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA304.md): Tecnam P92 · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 28, 2020 · N508TE · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a nose landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR19TA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA142.md): Zenair Zenith CH 701 · Marion, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 30, 2019 · N396PH · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain control following a bounced landing and his decision to fly the airplane without proper training.
- [NTSB GAA18CA574](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA574.md): Piper PA24 · Crewe, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 29, 2018 · N6148P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation…
- [NTSB GAA18CA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA228.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Eaglet · Ashland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 17, 2018 · N404TA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA540](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA540.md): Cessna 172 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N5396D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in an aborted go-around, an aerodynamic stall, and a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA17CA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17CA216.md): Cessna 172 · Emporia, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 28, 2017 · N2460A · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed for landing and his improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA208.md): Dempsey Daniel M Zodiac CH601XLB · Louisa, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 25, 2017 · N978ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s in-flight fuel mismanagement and subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to land on the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA139.md): Piper PA46 · Midland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 2, 2016 · N4149R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent hard landing while demonstrating a short-field landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB GAA17CA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA024.md): Cessna 182 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 16, 2016 · N5446N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA134.md): Cessna 172 · Newport News, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 17, 2016 · N35502 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA15CA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA150.md): Cessna 172S · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 7, 2015 · N144ME · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadequate landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA15CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA080.md): Bauer Thomas G Kitfox III · Bumpass, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 20, 2014 · N573TB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare during a water landing.
- [NTSB ERA14LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA235.md): Pacific Aerospace 750XL · Warrenton, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2014 · N750SS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear.
- [NTSB ERA14LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA193.md): Cessna U206G · Louisa, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2014 · N156SA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue operation of the airplane with known mechanical issues (fluctuating oil pressure and metal in the oil filter), which was the result of undertorqued cylinder through bolts. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic's…
- [NTSB ERA14CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA160.md): Cessna 172N · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 8, 2014 · N5423J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and substantial damage to the firewall.
- [NTSB ERA13CA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA371.md): Cessna 172S · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2013 · N740SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA13CA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA092.md): Liberty Aerospace XL-2 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2012 · N208AU · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA13CA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA038.md): Cessna 172H · Weyers Cave, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 20, 2012 · N1431F · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA12LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA380.md): Pittman Eddie G CGS Hawk Arrow II · Monroe, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2012 · N443EP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper preflight planning and inflight fuel management, which resulted in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unfamiliarity with the airplane’s systems.
- [NTSB ERA11LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA301.md): Leigh S-6 Coyote II · New Kent, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 2011 · N929RL · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA11LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA216.md): Hiller UH-12E · Culpeper, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2011 · N4033P · Substantial damage
  > Mechanical failure of the transmission for reasons that could not be determined because the transmission could not be torn down.
- [NTSB ERA10CA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA355.md): Piper J3C-65 · Warrenton, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2010 · N33554 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA10CA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA363.md): Cessna 172S · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 30, 2010 · N6064R · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing by person(s)unknown.
- [NTSB ERA10TA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10TA261.md): Bell 407 · Abingdon, VA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 11, 2010 · N31VA · Substantial damage
  > The improper repair of an engine component by a repair facility, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the repair facility to recognize that an improper repair had been accomplished, which allowed…
- [NTSB ERA10CA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA196.md): Diamond DA20 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 27, 2010 · N552MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA09LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA317.md): Hughes 369D · Greenville, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2009 · N8356F · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate design of the fourth-stage turbine wheel, resulting in the fatigue failure of one airfoil and a subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC08LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA318.md): Hiller UH-12E · Naruna, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2008 · N3324F · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a main rotor blade drag strut.
- [NTSB NYC08CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA282.md): Cessna 172 · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2008 · N5210A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare while landing. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind condition.
- [NTSB NYC08CA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA236.md): Glasflugel Standard Libelle · Front Royal, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N184W · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft control was not maintained during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was turbulence and inadvertent flight into adverse weather.
- [NTSB NYC08CA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA135.md): Cessna 172R · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 9, 2008 · N24619 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB MIA08CA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08CA050.md): AirIndus Thorpedo T211 · Stafford, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 31, 2008 · N211US · Substantial damage
  > The student's improper landing flare and the flight examiner's improper supervision of the student.

## 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" = 'VA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '092' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

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

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