Pilot Debrief

ZENAIR LTD STOL CH 701 near Shady Cove, OR — 2025-11-20

Final reportWPR26LA049
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Date
2025-11-20
Location
Shady Cove, OR, USA
Airport
OG31
Aircraft
ZENAIR LTD STOL CH 701
Registration
N43AH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper throttle input during an approach, which resulted in a rapid descent, hard landing and runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing a test flight in his experimental amateur-built airplane to determine the appropriate power setting for approach. During an approach to land after 5 consecutive go-arounds, he reduced all engine power, which resulted in a rapid descent and hard landing. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the dirt strip and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage, wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no 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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