Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent failure of the nose landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor and student pilot were returning to the departure airport during an instructional flight. The accident occurred during the first landing attempt, which was piloted by the flight instructor. During the touchdown, the airplane experienced a hard landing, which damaged the nose wheel, and upon the second touchdown the airplane veered off the runway. The flight instructor was providing flight instruction without a current airman medical certificate, and did not have a current flight review.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA319 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Hudson, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Oakland Southwest Airport (Y47)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Zenair
- N-number
- N701MW
- 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.