NTSB Factual Report

On December 31, 2000, approximately 1045 mountain standard time, a Cessna 177, N29572, owned by Aviation Enterprises, Inc., and operated by Mesilla Valley Aviation, both of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain while landing at Las Cruces International Airport, Las Cruces, New Mexico. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Las Cruces at 1035.

According to the pilot's accident report, he took off and stayed in the traffic pattern with the intention of making a touch and go landing. "My approach was routine and I started my flare 4 to 5 feet above the runway with full flaps," the pilot wrote. "I made a smooth touchdown; however, the airspeed was above stall speed after touchdown. I continued back pressure on the yoke to keep the nose wheel off the ground. The plane became airborne, stalled, came down nose low and bounce. When this happened again, I applied full power and retracted the flaps to abort the landing. The plane ground looped to the left off the runway into sand and brush." The left landing gear collapsed, and the leading edge of the left wing and horizontal stabilator were damaged.

The pilot noted that his only previous experience in the Cessna 177 was with an instructor in February 2000. At that time, he logged 7.8 hours. Commenting how the accident could have been avoided, the pilot wrote: "Better piloting. (1) By holding the plane off the runway until it starts to stall. (2) After touchdown, adjust back pressure on yoke more precisely to control roll out."

NTSB Probable Cause

An inadvertent stall. Factors were excessive airspeed, excessive flare, and improper recovery from a bounced landing.