Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose over during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot described that during the landing approach to the turf runway, while about 50 feet above the runway threshold, he reduced engine power and the airplane began to descend rapidly. He responded by increasing engine power, but the airplane impacted the ground and nosed over. The airplane’s fuselage and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA423 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 14, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elberta, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Shields (AL55)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
VANS RV-8A
- N-number
- N955DK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.