What happened
On March 19, 2010, an Aeroprakt A-22, registration A6-XAP, was conducting a flight at the Al Jazirah Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaima. During the final approach to runway 28, the pilot observed wind conditions that suggested a preference for runway 34. Consequently, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure at approximately 300 feet above ground level.
While attempting to transition to the new landing pattern, the pilot executed a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft began to lose altitude. As the aircraft approached a 14-foot sand dune, the pilot applied maximum engine power and a nose-up elevator command. This sudden reaction caused the aircraft to enter a stall. The nose landing gear struck the dune, causing the gear to break, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the ground approximately 500 meters southwest of runway 28. The impact resulted in 2 serious injuries to the pilot and passenger, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators from the GCAA AAIS examined the wreckage, engine telemetry from the FLYdat system, and the club's operational procedures. The investigation confirmed that the engine was functioning normally and that there were no mechanical defects or significant meteorological factors contributing to the crash. The pilot was found to be properly licensed and was not under the influence of any psychoactive substances. The inquiry also reviewed the club's training manuals and the pilot's familiarity with specific circuit patterns for the different runways.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to perform a go-around and change the landing runway via an improper left turn at a low altitude.
- This maneuver was executed without the necessary control inputs to maintain a coordinated turn, leading to a loss of altitude.
- The subsequent abrupt nose-up elevator and throttle application to avoid the dune caused the aircraft to enter a stall from which recovery was impossible at that height.
- The pilot lacked sufficient situational awareness to recognize the altitude loss during the turn.
- The club's operations manual lacked adequate procedures for changing landing runways due to unforeseen conditions.
- There was a lack of standardized training regarding the specific landing and takeoff procedures for the various runways at the aerodrome.
Safety action
Following the investigation, several recommendations were issued to the Al Jazirah Aviation Club, including the need to revise the Operations Manual to include clear procedures for changing landing runways and for maintaining accurate passenger and pilot weight records. Additionally, the club was advised to implement formal training on all aircraft and operational manuals, establish pilot performance monitoring, and improve the communication of critical safety information.