Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane’s airspeed was about 20 mph slower than normal when he turned on final approach. After clearing obstructions at the end of the runway, the pilot started to flare for a landing when the airplane suddenly dropped and impacted the runway surface. The hard landing partially collapsed the left main landing gear and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane and noted that the accident could have been prevented if he had maintained a safe airspeed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA120 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 30, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hobart, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Hobart Sky Ranch Airport (3HO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built WITTMAN W 10
- N-number
- N641TD
- 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.