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Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Damages Tail Structure During Short-Field Attempt (N1451T)

Morenci, AZ, US

On December 3, 2003, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1451T) was involved in an aviation accident near Morenci, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's excessive landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown and hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane sustained tail structure damage after a hard landing on a dirt airstrip during a short-field landing attempt. The pilot reported an excessive nose-up attitude during flare, leading to tail tie-down contact.

Incident Overview

A single-engine airplane experienced a hard landing on a dirt airstrip while the pilot was attempting a short-field landing. Post-landing inspection revealed damage to the aft bulkhead, located in front of the tail cone, which exhibited a dent approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Additionally, the tail tie-down attachment was bent and pushed upward.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that during the flare, he configured the airplane with an excessive nose-up attitude in an effort to use as little runway as possible. The pilot believes that the tail tie-down attachment contacted the ground during touchdown.

Mechanical Condition

No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported. The aircraft was otherwise in normal operating condition prior to the landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Dec 2003 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Morenci, AZ?

A single-engine airplane sustained tail structure damage after a hard landing on a dirt airstrip during a short-field landing attempt. The pilot reported an excessive nose-up attitude during flare, leading to tail tie-down contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Dec 2003 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1451T, at Morenci, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's excessive landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown and hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040117X00072. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.