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Hard Landing and Nose Gear Collapse During Flare

Death Valley National Park, CA, United States

On January 14, 2018, a HARROP BLAKE RV 7 A was involved in an aviation accident near Death Valley National Park, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing flare, the pilot reduced power causing an aerodynamic stall at 2-3 ft; the airplane landed hard, bounced, nose gear collapsed, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage to canopy and empennage.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare at an altitude of approximately 2 to 3 feet above the ground, he reduced engine power. The airplane then experienced an aerodynamic stall. The airplane contacted the ground with a hard impact, bounced, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently came to rest in an inverted position.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's canopy and empennage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Capability exceededPilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintained
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jan 2018 HARROP BLAKE RV 7 A accident near Death Valley National Park, CA?

During landing flare, the pilot reduced power causing an aerodynamic stall at 2-3 ft; the airplane landed hard, bounced, nose gear collapsed, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage to canopy and empennage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jan 2018 HARROP BLAKE RV 7 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jan 2018 involved a HARROP BLAKE RV 7 A, at Death Valley National Park, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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