This December 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Champion 7GCAA; Location: Gallup, N.M.; Injuries: None; Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot, who was attempting to land at night, told investigators that he flared too high and the airplane stalled and came down hard on the runway. The nose canted to the right. He added power in an attempt to straighten the ground track, but the airplane went off the runway to the right where it went through a ditch and nosed over.

The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane systems. At the time of the accident he was not night current and did not hold a valid medical certificate. Despite several requests, the pilot did not complete and submit an Aircraft Accident Investigation Report Form 6120.1.

Probable cause: The pilot’s premature landing flare and an inadvertent stall/mush. The pilot’s lack of recent night experience was a factor.

For more information: NTSB.gov