Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing, he flared high, and the airplane bounced. He added that the airplane touched down on the runway "a little crossways" and that both wings struck the runway. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
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 GAA18CA536 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Midland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Skywest Inc (7T7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 11AC
- N-number
- N86146
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.