Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path during the visual approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot entered the traffic pattern for a visual approach to the runway. He reported that the final approach descent was faster than he anticipated due to the high humidity and high density altitude. He added more engine power to arrest the descent rate, but the airplane landed short of the runway in a wet, grass field and came to rest upright. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the main landing gear separated and the aft carry-through wing spar was bent. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA411 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 18, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gardner, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SONEX
- N-number
- N563
- 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.