Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and the nose landing gear collapse during a gusty landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he encountered moderate to severe turbulence below 5,000 ft mean sea level while descending to land on runway 30. During the landing flare the left wing abruptly raised up. The airplane touched down hard and bounced. The airplane settled down, the nose wheel collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The engine mount sustained substantial damage. The prevailing wind was from 230° at 11 knots gusting to 15 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ely, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Ely Municipal Airport (ELO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA46
- N-number
- N27RZ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.