Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was asked to perform a power-off 180 degree accuracy landing as part of the practical test for a commercial pilot certification. The first attempt was terminated with a go-around. The second approach appeared normal according to the designated pilot examiner onboard, until approximately five seconds before touchdown. At that point the airplane rate of descent increased to approximately 1000 feet per minute and the airspeed slowed below 75 miles per hour and the airplane "dropped onto the runway." Neither the pilot nor examiner noticed any apparent damage at that time and elected to continue the flight. Upon completion of the flight the airplane was examined by maintenance for a hard landing and substantial damage was confirmed to both wings at the landing gear assembly mounts.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA077 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Stinson Municipal Airport (KSSF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N41517
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.