CEN10CA479

Factual narrative

The pilot did not submit NTSB Form 6120.1-2, Pilot-Operator Aircraft Accident Report, but he did submit a written statement. In that statement, he said he was on approach to AAO, and the airspeed indicator was indicating 60-65 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed). The pilot said, "I was trying to baby it down when a little gust appeared. I responded to the gust and evidently it [the airplane] stalled and nosed down. I estimate that the drop was about 15 feet, hitting nose gear first, it snapped off and I suppose the left main gear followed." The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. An FAA inspector who went to the scene, said he observed the airplane on the left side of the runway. The nose wheel and left main landing gear was on the right side of the runway. The left flap was torn off, and there were wrinkles in both wings and on the left rear side of the fuselage. The pilot stated that he was on approach to landing when the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The airplane stalled, descended 15 feet, and collided with the ground, touching down on the nose gear first. The nosewheel, left main landing gear, and left flap were torn off; there were wrinkles in both wings and on the left rear side of the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• F Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome - F
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - C