FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Hard Landing and Ground Swerve Following Approach Disturbance (N41827)

Del Norte, CO, US

On May 12, 2006, a Piper PA-46-350P (registration N41827) was involved in an aviation accident near Del Norte, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain during a power-on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and windshear. 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 pilot trained to fly a high and hot final approach experienced an engine bark and subsequent hard landing with bounce, gear retraction, and swerve on runway 26. No aircraft or engine discrepancies were found post-accident.

Incident Summary

A pilot conducted a final approach to runway 26 at an indicated airspeed of 85 knots with two notches of flap deployed. Approximately one mile from the runway, the engine emitted a "barking" sound. The pilot enrichened the mixture, after which the engine operated smoothly.

Approach and Landing

When the airplane was about 150 yards from the runway threshold, it began to sink excessively in a nose-high attitude. The pilot attributed this sudden descent to windshear. The airplane contacted the runway hard and bounced. In response, the pilot retracted the landing gear, anticipating a ditch ahead, believing it would be better to hit the ditch with the gear up. Power was added to abort the landing.

Ground Sequence

The airplane touched down again, swerved 90 degrees, and skidded to a halt on the dirt surface adjacent to the runway.

Post-Accident Examination

Post-accident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed no discrepancies.

Weather Information

An Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) located 36 miles southeast of the accident site recorded wind from 240 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Aerodynamic stallWeather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 May 2006 Piper PA-46-350P accident near Del Norte, CO?

A pilot trained to fly a high and hot final approach experienced an engine bark and subsequent hard landing with bounce, gear retraction, and swerve on runway 26. No aircraft or engine discrepancies were found post-accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 2006 involved a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N41827, at Del Norte, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain during a power-on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and windshear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060518X00586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.