Accident Summary
A pilot reported that during landing on a 6,000-foot runway with 40 degrees of flaps, the aircraft bounced twice. The pilot then initiated a full-power go-around. However, the aircraft did not climb and was described as 'wallowing' in ground effect. In an attempt to reduce drag, the pilot retracted the landing gear, but the aircraft settled onto the runway.
Sequence of Events
After the accident, the wing flaps were found in the fully retracted position. The pilot believed that the flaps were accidentally retracted when the passenger's knee contacted the flap switch during the first bounce. The passenger, approximately 6 feet 7 inches tall, had difficulty sitting comfortably in the aircraft. He received a bruise on his left knee in a position that corresponded to the location of the flap switch.
Findings
The pilot reported that the winds were variable and that he may have encountered a gust or wind shear. No other contributing factors were identified.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he approached the runway with 40 degrees of flaps. After the bounced landing and go-around, the aircraft did not climb but wallowed in ground effect. Retracting the landing gear did not prevent the aircraft from settling onto the runway.