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NTSB Report

May 5, 2018 · Pphu Ekolot KR-030 Topaz NO Series · N468KM

Dekalb, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Dekalb, IL
Aircraft
Pphu Ekolot KR-030 Topaz NO Series (2017)
Tail Number
N468KM
Operator
North Illinois Union Group Aircraft Divi
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA255

The pilot reported that, during a flight review, while landing in gusting wind conditions, the airplane ballooned and landed hard on the left main landing gear. The airplane veered sharply to the left, and the pilot applied full power to go around, but the airplane "would not climb." The flight instructor took the flight controls and the airplane came to rest about 400 yards south of the runway. The flight instructor reported that, during the landing, the airplane ballooned and "abruptly dropped" onto the runway, damaging the left landing gear. The airplane veered to the left, the pilot applied power to go around, and the airplane bounced into the air. He added that the airplane would not climb and continued to bounce multiple times before coming to rest south of the runway. He believed the propeller and landing gear damage may have prevented the airplane from climbing during the go around. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 6 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 250° at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare during gusting wind conditions, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during a flight review, while landing in gusting wind conditions, the airplane ballooned and landed hard on the left main landing gear. The airplane veered sharply to the left and the pilot applied full power to go around, but the airplane "would not climb". The flight instructor took the flight controls and the airplane came to rest about 400 yards south of the runway. The flight instructor reported that, during the landing, the airplane ballooned and "abruptly dropped" onto the runway, damaging the left landing gear. The airplane veered to the left, the pilot applied power to go around, and the airplane bounced into the air. He added that the airplane would not climb and continued to bounce multiple times before coming to rest south of the runway. He believed the propeller and landing gear damage may have prevented the airplane from climbing during the go around. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 6 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 250° at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:21 CDT
Nearest AirportDe Kalb Taylor Muni (0nm SSW)
Runway27
Runway Length4201 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPphu Ekolot KR-030 Topaz NO Series
Tail NumberN468KM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorth Illinois Union Group Aircraft Divi
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912IS2 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 72 · Sprt · None
Crew 2Age 74 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 11 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data