Probable cause
An encounter with a downdraft during landing that resulted in a hard landing and the pilot’s loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he experienced severe turbulence within about 10 miles of the airport as he was approaching to land. He further reported that during the landing, the airplane encountered a downdraft and bounced on touchdown. The airplane exited the runway to the left onto an adjacent grass area and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation during landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA209 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pipistrel Doo Ajdovscina VIRUS SW
- N-number
- N69PV
- 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.