Amateur-built BREEZY RLU-1 N477UC accident near Bryan, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the experimental amateur built airplane reported that he had been practicing touch and go landings on an airport runway and taxiway. He then made a successful simulated engine out landing on the runway, following that, he and then attempted a simulated engine out landing on the opposite end of the runway. The pilot reported that during the approach, "the turn to downwind caused the speed to decay so I lowered the nose to attempt to regain the speed". He lowered the airplane's nose to regain airspeed, but reported that he realized the attitude was too steep and applied full power in an attempt to recover. The pilot reported that he was unable to slow the descent rate and the airplane landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wing struts.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA007 for the full record.