Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the left main landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that she landed hard on the left main landing gear, which resulted in the landing gear collapse. The left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane spun 180°. A post- accident inspection revealed that there was substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 5, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salem, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N42220
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1945
- 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.