Amateur-built STOL CH750 N148CK accident near Lakeland, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a nosegear collapse during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was landing an experimental amateur-built airplane on a 1,500-foot temporary grass runway, which was created for an annual fly-in event. During landing, he deployed 5 degrees of flaps, reduced power about 5 feet above the runway, and while attempting to flare, felt he had no elevator authority. The nosegear impacted the ground first and collapsed, and the airplane settled on its left wing tip with damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning device, nor was there an option to purchase and install one as a kit-item from the manufacturer. The pilot further stated that the accident landing was only the third time he had deployed the flaps for landing. A quartering headwind at 6 knots was reported about the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA234 for the full record.