Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, porpoised landing and subsequent nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings on the asphalt runway. The airplane bounced during the touchdown, and the airplane began a hard porpoise down the runway. The nose landing gear wheel cracked and separated from the airplane, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the left wing strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA226 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 8, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Teresa, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Dona Ana County Airport At San (5T6)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 210
- N-number
- N3938Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- 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.