Aero Commander 100-180 N4016X accident near Athens, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the flare which resulted in a stall and a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he flew a stable approach and as he flared the airplane, a wind gust raised the nose and slowed the airplane. He added engine power, but the airplane descended and impacted the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded off the right side of the runway resulting in a collapsed nose gear and a propeller strike. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies, and substantial damage was noted to the firewall and fuselage. Witnesses reported that the airplane was on a high, steep, and fast approach before the landing flare and touchdown occurred near mid-field. The airplane appeared to "balloon" during the flare and stall prior to impact with the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA352 for the full record.