# NTSB investigations, 2017: 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 · 127 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB GAA18CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA096.md): Aeropro CZ Eurofox · Upper Lake, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 27, 2017 · N3945A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA18CA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA097.md): Cessna 172 · Monroe, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2017 · N4491R · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper yaw control during the landing flare and the flight instructor’s failure to take remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN18LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA059.md): American Champion 7GCAA · Longmont, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2017 · N519MA · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the landing gear through bolt primarily due to fatigue during a hard landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was noncompliance with the manufacturer service letter.
- [NTSB WPR18LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA050.md): Gray Jim Robert Exec · Caldwell, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2017 · N716JB · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the oil pressure gauge line, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB GAA18CA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA077.md): Czech Sport Aircraft a.s. Sport Cruiser · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2017 · N227US · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA18CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA075.md): Jones Kent C Vans RV-10 · Limon, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2017 · N9738J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach and failure to go around at night, which resulted in the airplane impacting a power line and a subsequent hard 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 GAA18CA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA081.md): Piper PA 32 · Cheboygan, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 5, 2017 · N4887S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the airplane’s rate of descent in gusting wind conditions resulting in a hard landing and runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA18CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA072.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 5, 2017 · N99RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and 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 GAA18CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA080.md): Cessna 172 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 26, 2017 · N452ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA18LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA027.md): Homer Autogyro Cavalon · Oak Island, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 17, 2017 · N470CH · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN18LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA032.md): Cessna T207A · Rock Springs, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2017 · N9825M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight fuel management and reliance on a faulty fuel gauge, which resulted in fuel starvation during approach for landing, and his failure to follow the emergency checklist after losing engine power.
- [NTSB GAA18CA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA042.md): Stinson SR 5E · Burlington, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 11, 2017 · N141WC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose-over. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to land on a closed alternate grass landing area.
- [NTSB WPR18LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA029.md): Bell 206 · Rolling Fork, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 7, 2017 · N93PH · Substantial damage
  > An uncommanded yaw and subsequent loss of main rotor rpm for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN18LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA020.md): Bell 206B · Groom, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2017 · N60EA · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter with minimum fuel on board.
- [NTSB GAA18CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA027.md): Cessna 120 · New Bern, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 21, 2017 · N72552 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB ERA18LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA010.md): Beech A24 · Manteo, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 18, 2017 · N400LE · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure wiring during an electrical component installation, which resulted in arcing and smoke in the cockpit. Contributing to the outcome was the flight instructor's failure to attain a proper descent rate…
- [NTSB CEN18LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA015.md): Cessna 150J · Willmar, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2017 · N50609 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper conduct of the soft-field takeoff, which led to his failure to attain adequate airspeed, and the flight instructor’s subsequent improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR18LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA004.md): Western International Avia UH 1H · Arbuckle, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2017 · N247PV · Substantial damage
  > A collective control malfunction for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA18CA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA012.md): Eurocopter Deutschland MBB BK 117 · Canton, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2017 · N140SF · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's incorrect cyclic control during a hover, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA008.md): Cessna 150 · Medina, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2017 · N7313G · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
- [NTSB CEN18LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA006.md): Cameron N-105 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N29922 · No damage
  > The steep approach and hard landing after the balloon encountered unexpected high wind conditions, which resulted in a serious injury to a passenger.
- [NTSB GAA18CA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA030.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 6, 2017 · N878MC · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s tension on the flight control at a low level during an autorotation, which did not allow sufficient time for the flight instructor to correct and recover control before the hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR18LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA005.md): Piper PA 24-250 · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2017 · N7892P · Substantial damage
  > The student's pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during approach and subsequent exceedance of the critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB GAA17CA553](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA553.md): Aerotrike Safari · Bridgeton, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 24, 2017 · N7675K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing while conducting an off-airport precautionary landing after a bird strike.
- [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 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 CEN17LA365](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA365.md): Gaddis Michael Exec 162 F · Plymouth, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N123XZ · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the drive belt for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN17LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA357.md): Beech A36 · McAlester, OK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2017 · N18403 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB GAA17CA579](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA579.md): Beech 95 B55 · Statesville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 14, 2017 · N2182L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing.
- [NTSB CEN17LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA367.md): Miller Steven M RV6 A · Elbert, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2017 · N812SM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare in strong gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his loss of directional control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with objects.
- [NTSB CEN17LA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA352.md): Cessna 210G · Hallsville, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2017 · N5906F · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure of the engine mixture control cable.
- [NTSB GAA17CA538](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA538.md): Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 11, 2017 · N4465F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA535](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA535.md): Mooney M20J · Whitesburg, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 9, 2017 · N1161Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach while landing with a tailwind and his subsequent failure to go around, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA17FA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA317.md): Schweizer 269C · Medford, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2017 · N204HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's early entry into and failure to maintain rotor rpm during a forced landing autorotation after performing an engine shutdown in flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel…
- [NTSB GAA17CA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA529.md): Cessna 182 · Fairfield, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2017 · N735KQ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to secure the right fuel cap during the preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR17LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA201.md): Cobalt Aircraft Industries Co50 Valkyrie · Atwater, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2017 · N523CA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of aileron effectiveness due to the airplane's design configuration, which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the roll axis and led to a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA577](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA577.md): Flight Design Ctls · Newport, RI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N547CT · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA545](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA545.md): Dedeaux Gary G GN-1 · Elba, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N168BD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the initial climb, which resulted in his decision to abort the takeoff and a subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA518](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA518.md): Croft Robert C Kitfox Super Sport · Afton, WY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N429NC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain bank control during an attempted go-around.
- [NTSB CEN17LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA336.md): Hughes 369A · Burnet, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N50MP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate inflight decision making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ENG17WA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG17WA035.md): Sikorsky 300 · Herzelia, Israel · Accident · Minor injuries · Foreign investigation · Aug 28, 2017 · 4X-BIM · Substantial damage
  > The Ministry of Transport of the State of Israel, has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Sikorsky S-300C, registration 4X-BIM, that occurred on August 28, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the investigation…
- [NTSB ERA17LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA301.md): Piper PA28R · Monroe, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2017 · N3805T · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing at an unknown time.
- [NTSB ERA17LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA319.md): Cessna 172 · Gulf Shores, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2017 · N97116 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA17LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA285.md): Bell 47G · St Marys, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2017 · N9526 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadequate prefight planning and en route fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN17LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA324.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Sweetwater, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2017 · N82912 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the overstress failure of the right main landing gear.
- [NTSB CEN17LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA328.md): Beech A36 · Gonzales, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2017 · N48TZ · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance, including worn spark plugs and a leaking fuel hose fitting.
- [NTSB ANC17LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17LA046.md): Thrush S2R · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2017 · N32LF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, which allowed an excessive load on the tailwheel and resulted in the subsequent component fracture, loss of control, runway excursion, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA17CA485](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA485.md): Cessna 182 · Sparta, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 12, 2017 · N52450 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?year=2017&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 year(c."eventDate") = 2017
  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?year=2017

---
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.