Diamond Aircraft Ind GMBH DA 42 NG accident near Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 9, 2026
On April 9, 2026 at about 3:18 pm local time, a 2005 Diamond Aircraft Ind GMBH DA 42 NG, registered N311LH, was substantially damaged in an accident during landing near Colorado Springs, Colorado (Colorado Springs airport). It was a positioning flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
Maintenance personnel's installation of an oversized tire, which prevented the left main landing gear from extending resulting in a precautionary gear up landing.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- April 9, 2026 · about 3:18 pm local time
- Place
- Colorado Springs, Colorado · Colorado Springs · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Diamond Aircraft Ind GMBH DA 42 NG, built 2005
- Registration
- N311LH · registry record · serial 42.036
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Positioning flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that during the approach, the left main landing gear did not extend. The pilot attempted to cycle the landing gear and utilize the alternate landing gear extension system; however, the left main landing gear remained in the stowed position. The pilot chose to perform a gear up landing, which resulted in substantial damage to both engine mounts. The pilot reported that a postaccident examination revealed that the landing gear tires were incorrect part number and oversized by about 1 inch, and maintenance personnel changed the tires two days before the accident. Due to the oversized tire, the left main landing gear became wedged in the wheel well, which prevented the landing gear from extending.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Landing gear not configured during landing
- Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) during landing defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Landing gear system › Tire casing › Incorrect service/maintenance
- Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Landing gear system › (general) › Malfunction
Pilot
- Certificate: flight instructor, commercial pilot
- Ratings: multi-engine land; single-engine land; instructor: airplane multi-engine; instructor: airplane single-engine; instructor: instrument airplane; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 4,946 hours in all; 96 in this make and model; 160 in the last 90 days; 124 in the last 30 days; 4,723 as pilot in command; 3,411 on instruments
- Last flight review: January 22, 2025
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,903.7 hours
- Last inspection: 100-hour inspection, March 4, 2026
- Maximum gross weight: 2,500 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine 1: Austero E4 (piston); 338 hours total
- Engine 2: Austero E4 (piston); 1,826 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: LXV Leadville CO at 3:00 pm
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 13, 8,270 ft by 150 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: a few clouds at 10,000 ft
- Temperature: 66°F (19°C), dew point 21°F (-6°C)
- Altimeter: 30.08 inHg
- Observation at 10:54 am from KCOS, 1 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KCOS 091654Z 00000KT 10SM FEW100 SCT160 SCT250 19/M06 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP125 T01941056=
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.