Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1A N26HV accident near Mccall, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach for landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings with a certified flight instructor at various back country airstrips. After three uneventful landings, the pilot circled over a fourth landing strip and noted that she needed to maintain the airplane’s minimum approach airspeed to be able to land on the short runway; she then entered the traffic pattern. While on short final, about 25 feet above the ground, the airplane stalled and started to descend. The pilot added power; however, the airplane subsequently landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA280 for the full record.