Pilot Debrief

ZENITH STOL CH701 near Weatherford, OK — 2025-12-06

Final reportCEN26LA057
Sign in to save
Date
2025-12-06
Location
Weatherford, OK, USA
Airport
OJA
Aircraft
ZENITH STOL CH701
Registration
N701SA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot being in a rush and failing to note the wind direction and speed.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot being in a rush and failing to note the wind direction and speed.

NTSB narrative

The pilot diverted to an alternate airport due to foggy weather along his route of flight. The pilot stated that while descending to land, the weather was getting worse and he wanted to get on the ground quickly. While landing on runway 35, the airplane dropped from about 20 ft above ground level and the left landing gear hit first. The pilot was unable to maintain control, and the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wings. The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented by noting the windsock direction and wind speed and that he would never rush a landing again. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Weather reports indicated that the pilot landed the airplane with a 10-knot right quartering tailwind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps