Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, he was distracted by the right front seatback falling forward and interfering with his view of the airplane's control panel. He added that he tried numerous times to push the seatback upright, but it would not stay in the upright position. During final approach, he reached over to try to latch the seat belt to secure the seatback in an upright position. The airplane landed hard and porpoised.
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.
The automated weather observation system located on the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA226 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 13, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Easton, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Easton/Newnam Field (ESN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Textron Aviation Inc G58
- N-number
- N67WM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2017
- 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.