Amateur-built 4-Place N1685 accident near Buckhorn, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s inflight loss of control during landing following an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he conducted a low pass over the runway to check runway and wind conditions and noted that the wind was light and variable. On the second approach to landing, while about 10 ft above the runway, a “sudden, strong wind gust hit” and airplanes nose came up abruptly. The pilot attempted to go around; however, the airplane landed hard, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions that precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA128 for the full record.