Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher-than-normal flare and a harder-than-normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tailwheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA443 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Helena, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Helena Regional (KHLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305A
- N-number
- N119WW
- 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.