Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was an engine oil leak which partially obscured the pilot’s forward vision.
NTSB analysis
The pilot/builder was making the first flight of the experimental single engine airplane after having completed several high-speed taxi tests and ground runs of the engine. Shortly after becoming airborne and during the initial climb, the pilot began to notice oil on the windshield. He returned to the airport to land by which time the oil film was significantly reducing his forward visibility and he had difficulty judging his height above the ground. During the landing the airplane touched down hard and bounced. On the second touchdown both main landing gear legs collapsed and penetrated through the top surfaces of the wings. The pilot stated that he was unable to determine the source of the engine oil leak.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA046 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 29, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pearland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Rand-Robinson
- N-number
- N128JH
- 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.