Probable cause
The loss of airplane control during a precautionary landing resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
During a cross country flight, the weather began to deteriorate. The pilot elected to turn back; however, the weather continued to deteriorate and the pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a dirt road. The pilot stated that it was raining and there was lightening all around. During the forced landing the airplane started to sink and hit the ground hard. The pilot stated that the left main landing gear was bent aft and the left wingtip hit the ground. There were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA512 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 7, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alpine, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GCAA
- N-number
- N2535F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.