Probable cause
The instructor pilot’s improper landing flare.
NTSB analysis
During a crosswind landing demonstration to a student pilot, the instructor pilot initiated a landing flare. When the airplane's altitude rose, the instructor pilot, "held the flare and added approximately 50-100 rpm to ease the airplane" down to the runway. The airplane then "experienced a sudden descent," and the instructor pilot attempted a go-around; however, the airplane's left wing and nose impacted the runway, causing substantial damage to the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA304 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Stinson Municipal Airport (KSSF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 20-C1
- N-number
- N169PA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.