Jabiru J250 N722BL accident near Ferndale, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience and training in the accident airplane make and model.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after accepting delivery of his recently purchased airplane, he requested the ferry pilot to "show [him] how to operate the aircraft." During his second approach, he felt that the airplane was low and slow and asked the ferry pilot if he should add power; the ferry pilot responded, "you’re fine." Shortly after, the airplane landed hard on the runway, the nosewheel and right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, before the accident flight, he did not have any experience flying the accident airplane.

The ferry pilot stated that he agreed to only be a passenger and not act as a flight instructor. He added that the airplane was configured for only a left seat pilot.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA380 for the full record.