Probable cause
The pilot’s unstable approach, and improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach to land, the descent was too fast, and he applied power to slow the descent rate. The main landing gear touched down on the runway surface and the airplane bounced with a nose high attitude. While pitching the airplane forward to correct, he misjudged the height above the runway, the propeller impacted the runway surface and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shepherd, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Owner'S Private Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ZEN CH701
- N-number
- N43442
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.