Probable cause
The flight instructor's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane reported that, while demonstrating a touch-and-go landing to a pilot receiving instruction, he reduced the power, and the airplane then descended and landed hard. The pilot then assumed control of the airplane and conducted two additional landings without further incident. However, postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The instructor also reported that the pilot's landings were smoother than his; therefore, the damage likely occurred during the instructor's landing.
The instructor 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 GAA18CA589 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 23, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Camarillo, California
- Nearest airport
- Camarillo (CMA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28R
- N-number
- N9368N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.