Event WPR20CA105

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing approach to a ridgeline airstrip, he deployed full wing flaps and descended to the touchdown point. About 15 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered a sink that he failed to recognize and arrest. The pilot further remarked that the approach speed was also a little too slow for the unstable air which likely increased the rate of descent. The airplane touched down hard, short of the touchdown point, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during the landing approach to a ridgeline airstrip, he deployed full flaps and descended to the touchdown point. About 15 ft above ground level, the airplane started to descend, which he failed to recognize and arrest. The pilot added that the approach speed was also a little too slow for the unstable air, which likely increased the descent rate. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard short of the touchdown point, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent rate-Not attained/maintained - C