Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare and failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing with gusting wind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during final approach, the wind gusts ballooned the airplane up and down. Just prior to landing, he added power however, the airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced. He stated he could see that the right main gear was damaged from the hard landing and decided to depart from the area and land at another airport. Further examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage near the right landing gear attachment area. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 4, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manzanita, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Nehalem Bay State (3S7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SPORTSMAN GS-2
- N-number
- N391TD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.