Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane bounced twice, which was followed by a noise that sounded like the airplane had sustained damage. The pilot aborted the landing and during the second landing attempt, the nose wheel landing gear separated, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Fld (RYN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
EUROPA XS
- N-number
- N523WS
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.