Amateur-built GT-400 N120LF accident near Chula Vista, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and a subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was on a local flight in the airport traffic pattern in an airplane he had recently purchased. During a landing attempt the airplane landed hard and bounced at which time the pilot applied full power to perform a go-around. He then elected to abort the go-around and land after he determined the airplane would not clear trees at the end of the runway. The airplane overran the runway end and impacted brush, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that he later learned he did not have sufficient flaps extended for the landing configuration.

The pilot reported 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 WPR26LA148 for the full record.