Cessna 172N N422B accident near Socorro, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing and loss of control in gusting wind.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that, while on approach, the airplane encountered turbulence with wind gusts. During the flare, the airplane landed hard and bounced. A wind gust raised the right wing turning the airplane off the runway to the left side toward rising terrain. The pilot applied full power to avoid the terrain when the stall warning horn sounded. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain, substantially damaging both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA062 for the full record.