Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing the pilot flared the airplane too much resulting in the loss of directional control. The airplane descended to ground impact as the pilot attempted to re-align the airplane with the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 27, 1993, at approximately 1145 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N4759G, sustained substantial damage during landing at the Coronado Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight. According to the information provided by the student pilot in his NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the airplane impacted the taxiway embankment following his loss of directional control prior to touchdown. The pilot reported that he "ballooned" during the flare and applied full power to recover, followed by a second flare. After the second flare the airplane drifted over adjacent weeds and the terrain collision followed as the pilot "steered towards the runway." -