Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during a wheel landing, the airplane touched down and bounced. He added a “slight bump of power” and decided to turn the landing into a three-point landing. The airplane was higher above the ground than he realized, and it stalled. During the second touchdown, the airplane landed hard, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane bounced a second time, then settled onto the runway and veered off the runway to the left. The airplane crossed a berm and nosed over. The left-wing struts, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged. 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 WPR23LA195 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 21, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mobile, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Motown (5AZ6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B
- N-number
- N108AM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.