Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing, which resulted in a hard bounced landing, and subsequent left main landing gear collapse, a runway excursion, and a collision with a runway sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he landed hard and bounced. The pilot further reported that after the bounce, he knew that the left main landing gear had collapsed, and he held the left wing off of the runway until the airplane slowed and the wing stopped producing lift. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway to the left and collided with runway signs, which resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that the "½ inch fine thread bolt" on the left main landing gear failed during the bounced landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA280 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 3, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prospect Heights, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Chicago Executive (PWK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built S 300
- N-number
- N126RG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.