Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he departed with another airplane to evaluate potential backcountry landing sites. The pilot of the other airplane landed first on a grass hill and recommended to the accident pilot over the radio that he approach the landing area from another angle as the terrain was rough.
The accident pilot visually assessed the terrain and selected what appeared to be a smoother and more suitable landing area. However, the terrain was upsloping and steeper than it appeared from the air. During touchdown, the airplane landed hard, the main landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 4, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Flanigan, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built JUST AIRCRAFT ESCAPA
- N-number
- N80JM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.