Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, resulting in a bounced landing and ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing he flared too high, resulting in a bounced landing. During his attempted recovery, the airplane swerved to the right and ground-looped, coming to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willows, California
- Nearest airport
- Willows-Glenn County Airport (WLW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KIT FOX XL
- N-number
- N42JH
- 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.