NTSB Factual Report

The solo 68-hour student pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane while practicing short field landings on runway 17. The solo flight was scheduled for the student pilot to practice short field landings in preparation to his upcoming private pilot check ride. The student pilot reported that "the aircraft speed was 60 to 65 knots with full flaps and when 50 feet above the runway, I cut the power to idle to shorten the landing roll." The pilot added that the airplane stalled and spun to the left, before impacting the left side of the 5,001-foot long by 100-foot wide asphalt runway. The pilot also stated that he attempted to regain control by applying full power and turning to the right; however, he was unable to recover before impacting the ground. At the time of the accidents, the wind was reported from 120 degrees at 4 knots, and the density altitude was calculated by the investigator-in-charge to be at 3,080 feet mean sea level (MSL). The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.