Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing, "about 4-6 ft" above the runway, the airspeed decreased, and the airplane aerodynamically stalled. He added that the airplane landed hard, veered off the runway to the right, and came to rest with the nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA273 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wellington, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Wellington Muni (EGT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built EUROPA CLASSIC
- N-number
- N7854M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.