Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach to the runway, the pilot stated that he allowed the airplane to develop a high sink rate which he did not correct. The airplane touched down on the runway and bounced airborne twice. The nose gear fork then fractured and separated and the propeller struck the runway surface. The airplane received substantial damage to the forward fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Stevens Field Airport (PSO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N4979M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.