Cessna 172 N6888A accident near Atlanta, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with runway approach lighting equipment.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on final approach, he entered a forward slip maneuver due to reduce altitude and airspeed, however, the airplane slowed down more than he anticipated, which required additional power. In the landing flare, the right main landing gear contacted the runway first and although he attempted to correct with rudder, directional control was lost, and the airplane veered off the runway to the left and impacted the precision approach path indicator approach lighting system. The fuselage, right wing, and elevator sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA030 for the full record.