Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing a no flap landing. About 5 feet over the runway, the pilot attempted to center the airplane over the center line but input too much rudder, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and then departed the runway to the left. The nose gear and left main landing gear separated from the fuselage; subsequently the left and right fuselage stringers sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA003 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Manuel, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- San Manuel (E77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SKY RANGER II
- N-number
- N132ES
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.