Pilot Debrief

CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT AS PIPER SPORT near Santa Monica, CA — 2021-08-12

Final reportWPR21LA317
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Date
2021-08-12
Location
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Airport
SMO
Aircraft
CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT AS PIPER SPORT
Registration
N643JK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, about 250 ft above ground level (agl) she discovered that the cockpit canopy was unlocked. She notified the tower controller of the situation and requested to land. While on final approach the airplane was high, so she reduced power to glide to the runway. She attempted to level off on the glide path however the airplane continued to descend and impacted the runway in a nose down attitude. The lower fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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