Probable cause
The airplane's encounter with a downdraft during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and passenger had just completed a local flight from a private airfield. The pilot reported that he flared for the landing with the airplane’s airspeed between 60 and 65 mph at 3 to 4 feet above the ground, and the left wing dropped abruptly. The airplane’s left landing gear hit the ground hard and the airplane bounced; the pilot was then able to recover for a normal 3-point landing. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that it felt as though the airplane was pushed to the ground, which he believed was due to a strong downdraft or gust of wind. Wind in the area about 40 minutes before the accident was reported to be from 170 degrees at 7 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA391 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mexico, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Rileys Roost (Pvt)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N1380K
- 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.