Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare that resulted in a bounced touch and go landing and subsequent nose wheel separation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew to a local airport to practice touch and go landings, entered the traffic pattern, and landed on the active runway. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The pilot added power and recalled that the nose jumped up slightly during the climb.
The pilot continued to his destination. During the landing, when the nose touched the runway surface, the pilot heard a “scraping” sound. After the airplane came to a complete stop, the two occupants exited the airplane uninjured. Examination of the airplane revealed that the wheel of the nose landing gear was missing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite firewall.
The missing wheel was later located at the previous airport where the pilot had performed the bounced touch and go landing. Examination of the wheel and tire assembly did not reveal any pre-existing anomalies. It is likely that the nose wheel assembly separated from the airplane during the bounced landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 21, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Indianapolis Metro (UMP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA20-C1
- N-number
- N465US
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.