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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 24, 2012 · Sport Plane Dynamics Lightning · N121L

Casa Grande, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 24, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Casa Grande, AZ
Aircraft
Sport Plane Dynamics Lightning
Tail Number
N121L
Operator
Sport Plane Dynamics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA028

The pilot reported that during the landing flare with full flaps selected, the airplane landed hard and bounced back into the air. The pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and retracting the flaps in an effort to regain airspeed. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain airspeed and kept the wings level until the airplane landed adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane struck a dirt berm and came to rest nose low. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot operating handbook for the make/model of the accident airplane outlines a procedure for balked landings. The procedure states that the throttle should be placed full forward, the trim set as required, and flaps positioned to one-half and then retracted when operating above 80 miles per hour and 100 feet above ground level.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to follow specified procedures for an aborted landing and loss of control during the attempt.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing flare with full flaps selected, the airplane landed hard and bounced back into the air. The pilot aborted the landing by applying full power and retracting the flaps in an effort to regain airspeed. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain airspeed, and kept the wings level until it landed adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane struck a dirt berm, and came to rest nose low. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot operating handbook for the accident make/model airplane outlines a procedure for balked landings. The procedure states that throttle should be placed full forward, trim set as required, flags positioned to one-half, and retract flaps when above 80 miles per hour and 100 feet above ground level.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 MST
Nearest AirportCasa Grande Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway05
Runway Length5200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSport Plane Dynamics Lightning
Tail NumberN121L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSport Plane Dynamics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300 · Reciprocating · 120
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data