Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the experimental light sport airplane was performing touch and go takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. He stated that the second landing was "hard," but he continued the flight and performed a third takeoff and landing. The third landing was also hard, and the airplane bounced. The nose landing gear separated, and the airplane departed the runway and came to rest in the grass, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Batavia, New York
- Nearest airport
- Genesee County Airport (GVQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
CHALLENGER II
- N-number
- N434LB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.