Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 20-C1 N954DA accident near Pueblo, Colorado

Probable cause

the failure of the student pilot, and then the flight instructor to maintain aircraft control during the landing. Contributing factors were the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and the crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

Prior to the initial approach, the tower reported the wind was from 280 degrees at 22 knots. During the final approach to runway 26L, the airplane encountered gusty crosswind conditions. Approximately 15 to 20 above ground level with the student pilot at the airplane controls, the airplane nose was 20 degrees to the right and the wings were level. At that time, the flight instructor took over control of the airplane and applied control inputs to correct for the crosswind. The airplane continued to the right and descended "with no response to my inputs." The instructor then applied full power and attempted a go-around. The airplane "lightly" touched down on the runway, however, continued to the right side of the runway surface and contacted rising terrain. Subsequently, the left main landing gear separated and the airplane came to rest upright off the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA067 for the full record.