Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the first landing for the instrument proficiency check flight, a go-around was initiated. During the second landing attempt, at an airspeed of 70 knots, the airplane touched down and bounced. The airplane bounced multiple times as it continued down the runway and subsequently nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer.
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 WPR21LA346 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 15, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palouse, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Schoepflin (WN26)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
RV-6A
- N-number
- N3977G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.