Aerovodochody L 29 DELFIN N4323N accident near Moriarty, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during a visual approach and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in ground impact before the runway.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was receiving his second training flight after purchasing the vintage single-engine, turbine-powered airplane. While on a visual approach, the pilot flew below the glidepath with a slow airspeed and allowed a sink rate to develop. Subsequently, the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and applied full engine power; however, the airplane continued to settle and impacted terrain 1/2 mile short of the runway. The flight instructor stated that he had "let his guard down" during the final approach and had not intervened quickly enough because the airplane descended below the glidepath. The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action allowed the airplane to descend and hit terrain short of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA218 for the full record.