Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to recover from a bounced landing which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, on the first approach to land the airplane's speed was too fast and he elected to perform a go-around. On the second approach, the airspeed was too fast again and the airplane bounced twice upon landing. He applied full power in an attempt to abort the landing. During the takeoff, the left main landing gear separated from the airplane and it veered off the left side of the runway. The airplane impacted an embankment and a tree resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies and the pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA153 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crescent City, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Eagles Nest Aerodrome (FD44)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built LIGHTNING
- N-number
- N324AL
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.