Probable cause
The pilot’s unstabilized approach after encountering wake turbulence, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on short final following a jet airplane, the airplane "encountered turbulence that induced significant rolling." He added that the airplane "was not able to completely re-establish a stabilized approach prior to touching down." Subsequently, the airplane touched down "more firm than usual." The pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
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 GAA17CA333 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 12, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Monica, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Monica Muni (SMO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Swearingen SA227 TT
- N-number
- N53DA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.