DEN99LA005

As the pilot approached his destination, another pilot informed him that runway 35 was the active runway. He was also warned of 50 foot trees near the approach end of the runway. The pilot said he remained 'higher on the approach. . .then reduced power and began a slightly more steep descent than usual' (using 25 degrees flaps.) When he flared the airplane approximately 10 feet above the runway, it 'must have stalled.' A hard landing followed.

On October 2, 1998, at 1920 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, N8182J, registered to Neuro Air, Inc., was substantially damaged during a hard landing at Coronado Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-county flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and a VFR flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Centennial Airport, Denver, Colorado, at 1725.

According to the pilot's accident report, the en route portion of the flight was without incident. As he approached Coronado Airport, another pilot informed him that runway 35 (4,010 ft. x 60 ft., asphalt) was the active runway. He also warned him of 50 foot trees near the approach end of the runway. The pilot said he remained "higher on the approach. . .then reduced power and began a slightly more steep descent than usual" (using 25 degrees flaps.) When he flared the airplane approximately 10 feet above the runway, it "must have stalled." A hard landing followed. The right side of the fuselage was buckled aft of the cabin entry door and forward of the cargo door. According to Coronado Airport officials, the trees at the end of runway 35 are approximately 20 to 25 feet tall.