Summary
On May 14, 2012, a Hunter A-20 VISTA CRUISER (N9027M) was involved in an incident near Molalla, OR. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a rock during an off-airport landing.
The pilot reported that during the flight he was locating off airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that he performed a flat approach to the road with power and landed hard. Subsequently, the left wing struck a rock and the airplane immediately veered to the left and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA206. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9027M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a rock during an off-airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the flight he was locating off airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that he performed a flat approach to the road with power and landed hard. Subsequently, the left wing struck a rock and the airplane immediately veered to the left and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA206