Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch attitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on short final about 20 feet above the ground, he noticed the "attitude was a little flat." He reported that the airplane lost altitude "so fast, he didn't have time to react or even think to put the nose down or add power". The airplane impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that his conclusion as to why the accident occurred was that the airplane "flat" stalled about 15 to 20 feet above the ground because he was "so focused on hitting the front of the runway" and didn't keep the airspeed "up."
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA257 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Green River, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Mexican Mountain Airstrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SKYSTAR SERIES 5
- N-number
- N4291R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.