Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he made an approach to a dirt runway. The pilot reported that the airplane bounced during the touch down, and when it settled back to the runway the airplane's heading was not aligned with the runway heading. He recalled the airplane ground looped to the right, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The left wing ribs and aileron sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA452 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Naches, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Tieton State (4S6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SDL
- N-number
- N945PL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.