Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a rock during an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was looking for off-airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that, after several practice approaches, he performed a flat approach to the road and landed hard. The airplane’s left wing struck a rock, the airplane veered to the left, and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA206 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Molalla, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built A-20 VISTA CRUISER
- N-number
- N9027M
- 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.