GAA18CA281

Factual narrative

According to the pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane, he set up for an extended final approach to the sandy turf runway. He waited until he cleared the trees, "then I dropped down to land." The main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. The main and nose landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane slid about 300ft before it came to a stop on the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the lower fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Safety Inspector that examined the airplane at the accident site, reported that witnesses had stated that the pilot landed hard on the sandy turf surface. However, the pilot stated that he did not. Nevertheless, the pilot did state that he really had to bring it in steep over the trees to get the airplane on the runway. Photographs provided by the operator showed vertical deformation of both wings at the main landing gear mount location. According to the pilot in the retractable-landing gear-equipped airplane, he set up for an extended final approach to the sandy turf runway. He waited until he cleared the trees and "then…dropped down to land." The main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. The main and nose landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane slid about 300 ft before it came to a stop on the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector who examined the airplane at the accident site reported that witnesses stated that the pilot landed the airplane hard on the sandy turf surface. However, the pilot stated that he did not. However, the pilot did state that he really had to bring the airplane in steep over the trees to get it on the runway. Photographs provided by the operator showed vertical deformation of both wings at the main landing gear mount location. 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-Descent rate-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Main landing gear-Capability exceeded - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C