Amateur-built KR-2 N4DD accident near Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare while landing with gusting winds and his failure to perform a go-around.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing attempt at the destination airport, the airplane got "...caught by a gust of wind..." during touchdown. As the gust subsided, the plane landed hard in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. The airplane's right wing separated and the firewall became damaged, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot further stated that, had he been aware of any turbulence or gusting winds, he would have not made the flight. A witness stated that the pilot obtained and received wind and runway information via the common traffic advisory frequency. Upon the pilot's initial request for wind information, he was advised that winds were 050 degrees at 8 knots and later advised that winds were 090 degrees at 12 knots following his second request for wind information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA589 for the full record.