Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the climbing phase of the flight, both he and the flight instructor observed fuel leaking from the right wing fuel cap. The pilot made a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. During landing, the airplane landed hard and the propeller struck the ground, substantially damaging the airplane firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the stopper-type fuel cap was locked; however, it was not properly secured in the filler port of the fuel tank. Yet, this would not have affected the landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA174 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 10, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sequim, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Blue Ribbon Airport (WN29)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS RV6A
- N-number
- N6000Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.