Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing in gusting wind conditions, "there was a shift in wind speed and direction," and the airplane bounced and landed hard. The main landing gear collapsed, the propeller struck the runway, and the airplane then exited the runway to the right.
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.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 230° at 11 knots. The airplane landed on runway 26.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA538 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Ynez, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Ynez (IZA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro SPORTCRUISER
- N-number
- N4465F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.