No fatalities

Hard Landing on Private Grass Airstrip Results in Landing Gear Collapse (N8103V)

Ypsilanti, MI, US

On August 28, 2005, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8103V) was involved in an aviation accident near Ypsilanti, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in his inability to properly flare the airplane and the subsequent hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

The pilot reported a hard landing on a private grass airstrip after the engine failed to increase power during the flare. The left main and nose gear collapsed.

Event Description

A pilot experienced a hard landing while touching down on a private grass airstrip. According to the pilot's report, the airplane crossed electric wires on approach, followed by a slight dip in flight to descend. The pilot then pulled back on the control yoke to initiate a flare and added power to increase the pitch attitude. However, the engine power did not increase as expected.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the airplane subsequently made a very hard landing, during which the left main landing gear and nose gear collapsed. The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane prior to the incident.

Outcome

The landing gear sustained damage during the hard landing. No other details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the report.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2005 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Ypsilanti, MI?

The pilot reported a hard landing on a private grass airstrip after the engine failed to increase power during the flare. The left main and nose gear collapsed.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 2005 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8103V, at Ypsilanti, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in his inability to properly flare the airplane and the subsequent hard landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050915X01470. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.