Pilot Debrief

Zenair ZENITH 801 near Knoxville, TN — 2019-10-18

Final reportGAA20CA043
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Date
2019-10-18
Location
Knoxville, TN, USA
Airport
DKX
Aircraft
Zenair ZENITH 801
Registration
N801PZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the approach and his improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a power-off 180° approach, he noticed the airplane was "drifting" and would not reach the intended touchdown point. He added power to correct and then reduced the power to idle to resume the approach. On short final, the airplane encountered a "wind shift or gust" and developed a high sink rate. He applied power and lowered the nose, but the airplane landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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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