Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot’s incorrect flap configuration during the go-around, which resulted in a hard, forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that she was practicing touch and go landings to an asphalt runway. She initiated an approach and bounced the landing, then she accomplished a go-around. However, she was airborne when she pushed the carb heat in and applied full throttle, "but mistakenly put flaps up, all at once." The airplane descended to the runway and landed hard. During the landing roll, she pulled the throttle back to idle and gained her bearings, then she initiated a takeoff. She noticed a binding and restriction in the elevator and yoke control movements while remaining in the airport's pattern. She declared an emergency and landed the airplane on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator control column.
The manufacturer's pilot operating handbook identifies the Balked Landing procedure as:
1. Throttle – Full Open
2. Carburetor Heat – Cold
3. Wing Flaps –20° (Immediately)
4. Climb Speed – 55 KIAS
5. Wing Flaps – 10° (Until obstacles are cleared) Retract (After reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS)
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA268