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Landing Gear Failure During Training Flight After Hard Touchdown (N435SA)

Stevensville, MD, US

On August 24, 2007, an Iniziative Industriali Italian SKY AERO 600 SPORT (registration N435SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Stevensville, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature flare that resulted in a hard landing, fracturing the left main landing gear strut that subsequently collapsed. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot. 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

During an airplane checkout, a private pilot flared high and touched down hard. After a go-around and landing, the left main landing gear failed on a subsequent landing, causing the aircraft to swerve off the runway.

Incident Overview

An instructor was conducting an airplane checkout for a private pilot during a training flight. The instructor reported that the pilot "flared high and touched down hard." In response, the instructor took control of the airplane, executed a go-around, and performed a landing. On touchdown, the airplane "tended to veer left," and the left main landing gear appeared "slightly distorted."

Return Flight and Landing

The aircraft flew back to the airport of origin. The instructor made the landing, applying right brake as necessary to maintain runway centerline. During the landing roll, a loud bang was heard, and the left main landing gear failed. The airplane swerved off the runway.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection revealed that the left landing gear strut was fractured and bent aft. The composite fuselage was buckled, and the landing gear box was torn open.

No further details were provided regarding injuries, aircraft type, or other factors.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 2007 Iniziative Industriali Italian SKY AERO 600 SPORT accident near Stevensville, MD?

During an airplane checkout, a private pilot flared high and touched down hard. After a go-around and landing, the left main landing gear failed on a subsequent landing, causing the aircraft to swerve off the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2007 Iniziative Industriali Italian SKY AERO 600 SPORT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 2007 involved an Iniziative Industriali Italian SKY AERO 600 SPORT, registration N435SA, at Stevensville, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's premature flare that resulted in a hard landing, fracturing the left main landing gear strut that subsequently collapsed. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071108X01766. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.