Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's lack of experience with the airplane's performance characteristics during the approach resulting in a hard landing and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he initiated a steep descent for landing and that his final approach was high and fast. He reported the airplane made contact with the runway during the flare, and bounced during touchdown, resulting in a propeller strike and runway excursion. A post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration Air Safety Inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The Air Safety Inspector stated the landing gear made contact with the left wing causing the damage.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Dekalb-Peachtree (PDK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus Design Corp SR22
- N-number
- N741CD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.