Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Control During An Approach To Land, Which Resulted In A Hard Landing

Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin Accident Number: WPR24LA256
Date & Time: July 26, 2024, 07:15 Local Registration: N94NG
Aircraft: Diamond Aircraft Ind GMBH DA 42 NG Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot of the multi-engine, retractable landing gear airplane reported that, while on final approach to land, he allowed the airplane’s airspeed to decay. He attempted to regain airspeed by reducing his bank angle and pitching the nose down; however, the airplane landed hard and the left main landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder. 

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control during an approach to land, which resulted in a hard landing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov