Amateur-built KOLB FIREFLY N139SB accident near Cave Junction, Oregon

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot's improper landing flare in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The non-certificated pilot reported that, during his first flight in the recently purchased airplane, he encountered turbulence on the base and final legs of the airport traffic pattern. While on the final approach to land, the airplane encountered a gust of wind that resulted in a hard landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident he was landing on runway 36 with wind variable at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA287 for the full record.