Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing rollout, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made several passes over his destination airport to assess the landing area and then completed one successful landing. During a second landing the pilot lost control of the airplane, which nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder assembly and both wing struts.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 10, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cody, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Sheep Mountain
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built L-21
- N-number
- N453HC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.