Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on soft, muddy terrain, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the airplane on his 1,000-ft-long private grass airstrip in light and variable wind conditions when the airplane nosed over upon touchdown, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. Photos provided by law enforcement personnel who responded to the site showed ground scars consistent with the airplane having touched down on soft, muddy terrain and subsequently nosing over.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA169 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Las Animas, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 162
- N-number
- N5213Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.