Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot had not flown since 2001 and had recently purchased the airplane. He hired the certified flight instructor to provide instruction in his new airplane and to also prepare him for a flight review. The pilot said that he flew well and the flight was uneventful until his first landing attempt. He said he flared too soon, which caused the airspeed to dissipate. The instructor told him to add power, but the rate of descent was too great and the airplane landed hard on the left side of the runway and slid into an area of dry grass. A post-impact fire consumed the airplane. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA199 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 9, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Richard Lloyd Jones Jr Airport (RVS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built GLASAIR SU
- N-number
- N47NR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.