Casualties unknown

Tailwheel-Converted Airplane Incurs Structural Damage During Hard Landing in Gusty Wind (N6123D)

Grand Canyon, AZ, US

On March 26, 2006, a Piper PA-22 (registration N6123D) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Canyon, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing during touchdown, which resulted in a loss of control and encounter with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's misjudged flare, and a gusty wind. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot experienced a hard landing in gusty wind while landing a tailwheel-converted airplane. The aircraft bounced, veered off the runway, and sustained structural damage to the right wing and elevator. No mechanical issues were reported.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The accident occurred during the landing phase of a local personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The aircraft involved was a tailwheel-converted airplane. The pilot, who held a commercial certificate, was the sole occupant.

Accident Description

According to the pilot, the airplane landed hard in gusty wind conditions. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce. Following the bounce, the airplane veered off the side of the runway. While off the runway, the right wing and elevator struck the ground, resulting in structural damage to those components.

Pilot's Account

The pilot noted that there were no known mechanical malfunctions with the airplane before the accident. He further stated that he recognized he should have aborted the landing as soon as the airplane began to deviate from the runway.

The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, location, or date of the accident. No information regarding injuries or other details was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060511X00561. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.