Accident Description
A Navion A sustained a hard landing on runway 01 following an attempted go-around. The pilot reported that he was landing to the north with full flaps when he discovered a gusting tailwind. He initiated a go-around, and at 50 feet above ground level (AGL), he brought the flaps up halfway. The aircraft then settled and landed hard on the runway.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the landing approach was made to the north with full flaps deployed. During the approach, he detected a gusting tailwind condition and decided to perform a go-around. During the go-around, at an altitude of 50 feet AGL, the pilot retracted the flaps to the halfway position.
Environmental Conditions
Wind observations from a reporting station 24 nautical miles west of the airport indicated winds from 150 degrees at 10 knots. No further weather details were provided.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Navion A. Specific registration, engine details, and other identifying information were not disclosed in the report.
Regulatory Guidance
The flight training handbook, Advisory Circular 61-21A, cautions pilots about premature retraction of flaps during a go-around. It states: 'Caution must be used in retracting the flaps. Depending on the airplane's altitude and air speed, it may be wise to retract the flaps intermittently in small increments to allow time for the airplane to accelerate progressively as they are being raised. A sudden and complete retraction of the flaps at a very low airspeed could cause a loss of lift resulting in the airplane settling into the ground.'