Probable cause
The pilot's delayed go-around attempt and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action that resulted in a nose-down impact with terrain during an attempted go-around.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot receiving company flight training was flying an approach; the airplane was too high and entered an increasing descent rate. The flight instructor told the pilot to go around, about the same time the pilot elected to go around. However, the pilot’s corrective control and power inputs did not arrest the descent rate, and the airplane impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The operator reported there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Marcos, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Marcos Regional Airport (HYI)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
De Havilland DHC6
- N-number
- N322AV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- 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.