Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the approach to landing, he "…flared too high" and the airplane landed hard, bounced, and "…got away from me [him]." Despite his control inputs, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the nosewheel landing gear and right main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane's flight control systems prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA439 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- La Grande, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- La Grande Airport (LGD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17-30A
- N-number
- N14786
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.