GAA17CA490

Factual narrative

The pilot was conducting parachute jump operations in the vicinity of the airport. After climbing to altitude, he released his jumpers and returned to land. The pilot reported that during the landing flare, the airplane struck the runway, nose wheel first. He added that the airplane bounced, floated down the runway, then settled to the right of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After multiple requests, the pilot failed to submit the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. The pilot was conducting parachute jump operations near the airport. After climbing to altitude, he released his jumpers and returned to land. The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane struck the runway nosewheel first. He added that the airplane bounced, floated down the runway, and then settled to the right of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After multiple requests, the pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.   Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C