Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate approach and excessive airspeed which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway overrun onto rough terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the approach to landing to an airport located within a canyon, the airplane was high and fast. The pilot slipped the airplane, however the airspeed remained above the desirable 60 knots. The airplane "floated down the runway" and touched down further than normal. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway onto rough terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, empennage and fuselage. The pilot added that there was no possibility of a go-around due to the airport's location in the canyon.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA299 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hoopa, California
- Nearest airport
- Hoopa (O21)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 20 C1
- N-number
- N528DC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.