Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on final approach in turbulent conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that while on final approach for landing he encountered turbulence. After traveling out from behind trees near the runway, he encountered a strong upward force on the right wing which pushed the aircraft to the left and increased altitude about 20 ft. The pilot reported that the aircraft stalled, and he did not increase power fast enough to recover from the stall before the airplane landed hard, which substantially damaged the wing frame. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA192 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rochester, Washington
- Nearest airport
- R & K Skyranch (8W9)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North Wing Uum Inc Scout X-C
- N-number
- N417HW
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.