Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing the airplane bounced. In response, he added engine power, leveled the airplane, and attempted to flare to soften the impact upon touchdown. During the flare, the elevator lost effectiveness sooner than he anticipated and the airplane touched down on the runway surface hard. The airplane veered off to the right side of the runway, impacted a drainage ditch, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA035 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Los Lunas, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Mid Valley Airpark (KE98)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-4
- N-number
- N353CB
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.