WPR25LA028

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he made a verbal arrangement with a flight instructor to accompany him on the flight as an instructor and correct him as necessary. During the flight, while on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor repeatedly stated, “nose down”, however, the pilot believed the airplane’s altitude and airspeed were correct. Subsequently, the pilot realized that the airplane was too low, and he felt the main landing gear “hit” the runway as he increased engine power to abort the landing. The pilot then reduced engine power, the propeller struck the runway, and the airplane came to rest upright on the right side of the runway. The right wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained
• — Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Task monitoring/vigilance-Pilot
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot