Embraer EMB-145LR N814HK accident near St. Louis, Missouri

Probable cause

The flying pilot's excessive angle of attack during the landing flare resulting in abnormal runway contact.

NTSB analysis

While en route to the destination airport, the first officer (FO) warned that his flaps 45 degrees landings are "a little extreme." The FO continues by stating that the landings are "a little non-standard, but it’s way more fun." The flight data recorder (FDR) showed an increase in the airplane's pitch angle at approximately 34 feet above ground level. The landing flare continued to increase to approximately 13 degrees of pitch angle with a corresponding angle of attack of 17 degrees. The airplane's stick shaker/stall warning system activated seconds before the landing, during which the airplane's tail section contacted the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA215 for the full record.