Probable cause
The pilot's excessive nose high pitch attitude, which resulted in a tail strike during the landing flare.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare the airplane impacted the ground in a slight nose high pitch attitude, which resulted in a tail strike. The pilot further reported that he taxied to the ramp area without further incident.
A postaccident examination by the pilot revealed substantial damage to the rudder.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA256 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- South St Paul, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- South St Paul Muni-Richard E F (SGS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus Design Corp SR20
- N-number
- N323FT
- 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.