Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a subsequent loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that on final approach, he “started the flare too late,” which resulted in a “high bounce.” He attempted to recover, however the airplane “bounce[d]” again. The pilot initiated a go around, but with the “high angle of attack” of the airplane, he “lost control.” The airplane veered off the side of the runway and impacted a ditch, which sheared off the main landing gear, and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA255 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 1, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pemberton Township, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-400A
- N-number
- N3658T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.