No fatalities

Hard Landing and Runway Excursion After Improper Flare Technique

Oakland, MD, United States

On August 19, 2010, a PIPER PA-28-181 operated by WASSER NATHAN H was involved in an aviation accident near Oakland, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot misjudged his height and did not add power during flare, leading to a hard landing that forced the main gear through the wings, two bounces, and a skid off the runway down an embankment.

Flight Approach

According to the pilot, he was established on final approach to runway 27 with winds reported from 310 degrees true at 5 knots. He reduced power to maintain a 500 feet per minute (fpm) descent rate. As the airplane slowed to 110 knots, the pilot lowered one notch of flaps. Realizing he was high on the approach, he lowered the nose and increased the descent rate to 700 fpm. He then lowered two more notches of flaps, and the airplane continued to slow.

Landing Sequence

Over the runway threshold, the pilot began to flare and heard the stall warning horn. He misjudged his height above the runway and did not add power in the flare as the stall warning continued. He flared about 15 feet above the runway, resulting in a hard landing. The initial touchdown "forced the main gears up through the wings." The airplane then bounced twice and skidded off the left side of the runway and down an embankment.

Post-Accident Inspection

An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the left wing and the landing gear broke off during the event. The pilot reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 2010 PIPER PA-28-181 accident near Oakland, MD?

A pilot misjudged his height and did not add power during flare, leading to a hard landing that forced the main gear through the wings, two bounces, and a skid off the runway down an embankment.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 2010 PIPER PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 2010 involved a PIPER PA-28-181, operated by WASSER NATHAN H, at Oakland, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.