Diamond Aicraft Industries Inc DA 20-C1 N322FS accident near Odessa, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's use of an improper flap setting and a subsequent inadequate flare of the airplane, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the pilot's delay in executing a go-around.

NTSB analysis

During the 4-mile final leg for landing in night visual meteorological conditions, the pilot set the flaps at 15 degrees for the approach and landing. According to the manufacturer's flight information manual, the flap position for landing is 45 degrees. The pilot stated that she kept the airplane speed "up" so that the airplane would not lose too much altitude and that, although the approach was a "little low," it was still within limits. The airplane touched down on the runway and bounced three times before the pilot increased engine power to perform a go-around. As the engine power increased, the airplane nosed down and contacted the runway, damaging the nosewheel and firewall. The pilot's use of partial flaps at a low altitude with a high approach speed resulted in more energy than a typical landing approach and the pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate before impact. Although high wind conditions and gusts prevailed at the time of the accident, the wind was within the manufacturer's maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA380 for the full record.