Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot had conducted a local pleasure flight and returned to a private grass airfield. He reported the wind was from the southeast and gusting 8-10 mph. He selected runway 17 for the landing and held the left wing down, to compensate for the crosswind. He reported that the gusty wind allowed the airplane to bounce in the air and then descend. The left landing gear impacted the grass runway and the wheel separated from the airplane. The airplane then traveled about 15 feet down the runway, before the left landing gear dug into the ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA201 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 31, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Derby, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Blue Sky Ranch And Aerodrome (35KS)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AIRBIKE RX40
- N-number
- N61453
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.