Monday, March 30, 2026

Abnormal runway contact: Zenith STOL CH 701, N701SA, accident occurred on December 6, 2025, at Thomas P. Stafford Airport (OJA/KOJA), Weatherford, Oklahoma

  • Location: Weatherford, Oklahoma 
  • Accident Number: CEN26LA057 
  • Date & Time: December 6, 2025, 14:51 Local 
  • Registration: N701SA 
  • Aircraft: ZENITH STOL CH701 
  • Aircraft Damage: Substantial 
  • Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact 
  • Injuries: 1 None 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal 

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202127/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202127

The pilot diverted to an alternate airport due to foggy weather along his route of flight. The pilot stated that while descending to land, the weather was getting worse and he wanted to get on the ground quickly. While landing on runway 35, the airplane dropped from about 20 ft above ground level and the left landing gear hit first. The pilot was unable to maintain control, and the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wings. The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented by noting the windsock direction and wind speed and that he would never rush a landing again.

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

Weather reports indicated that the pilot landed the airplane with a 10-knot right quartering tailwind.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot being in a rush and failing to note the wind direction and speed.

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