Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he flared too high, and the airplane landed hard and bounced. The airplane then exited the left side of the runway and nosed over after the nose landing gear collapsed and separated. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing. The pilot stated that he added power during the bounce, but decided to abort the attempted go-around. The pilot further stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Furnace Creek, California
- Nearest airport
- Furnace Creek Airport (L06)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman AA5
- N-number
- N28870
- 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.