Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and the nose landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he completed a normal traffic pattern and was on final approach in gusting wind conditions. About 10 ft above the runway, the airplane encountered a gust of wind, and the pilot was unable to control the descent rate. The airplane landed hard, and the nose landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall, fuselage, and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Angola, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Tri-State Steuben County Airpo (ANQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe 415-C
- N-number
- N3530H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.