GAA19CA094

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during a night landing, he flared too high and the airplane descended and landed hard. The airplane exited the runway, but the pilot was able to control the airplane back on the runway without further incident. According to the FAA, airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing rib. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes after the accident, the wind was 050° at 14 knots, gusting up to 19 knots, with light rain. The airplane landed on runway 01. The pilot reported that, during a night landing, he flared too high, and the airplane descended and landed hard. The airplane exited the runway, but the pilot was able to maneuver the airplane back onto the runway without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing rib. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.

• 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
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation - C