Cessna T210N N85S accident near Boulder, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to continue the unstable approach, which resulted in a loss of control during landing and a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he overshot the final approach to the runway and had to maneuver the airplane back to the final approach course. Because the airplane was high on the approach, he extended 30 degrees of flaps and descended at an airspeed of between 80 and 85 knots. The pilot stated that he thought that the approach was not stabilized; however, he continued the approach and landed. The pilot further stated that, during the landing roll, he thought that the airplane was being pushed by a strong tailwind and that he was unable to stop the airplane before the end of the runway. The airplane departed the runway, went down an embankment, and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe and both wings. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA564 for the full record.