Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to establish a controlled descent rate during landing which resulted in the airplane touching down short of the runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he reduced airspeed which resulted in a higher angle of attack and blocking his visibility of the approach threshold. The glide path steepened, and the airplane touched down short of the airstrip. The right main landing gear collided with a rock and sheared off. Shortly thereafter, the left main landing gear sheared off and the airplane slid down the runway substantially damaging 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 WPR22LA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 2, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Saline Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Saline Valley Warm Springs Air (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
GLASAIR II S-FT
- N-number
- N727DF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.