Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported he was practicing landings and he intentionally flew slow on the approach to landing. The pilot said that during the landing flare, he forgot to focus on the horizon, and the airplane was high, and it stalled. Subsequently the airplane landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. 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 WPR25LA242 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moriarty, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Moriarty Muni (0E0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7FC
- N-number
- N50778
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.