Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform a traffic pattern circuit and a full stop landing. During the landing, he misjudged his altitude above the runway and the airplane landed hard as he initiated the landing flare. The nose landing gear struck the turf runway, collapsed, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Green Cove Springs, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Haller Airpark (7FL4)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Playmate
- N-number
- N21JB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.