Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, and his subsequent loss of directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the initial touchdown was harder than expected and that the airplane bounced to the left. He was able to correct back to the right, but the airplane bounced again. When the airplane touched down the third time, it subsequently ground looped and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or deficiencies that led to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kingsbury, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Old Kingsbury Aerodrome (85TE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SE5A
- N-number
- N685SE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2017
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
Other records under this N-number
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.