Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that, during his third touch-and-go landing, the airplane's airspeed was fast and that it landed hard. The airplane's nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The airplane cartwheeled and came to rest upright.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA562 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 19, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Independence, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Independence State (7S5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built LONG EZ
- N-number
- N5RJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.