What happened
The flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting training exercises focused on forced landing procedures into an open field. During one such exercise, the instructor guided the descent toward the designated landing zone. At an altitude of approximately 50 to 75 feet above ground level (AGL) over the intended area, the decision was made to initiate a go-around maneuver.
The instructor pulled up and banked left to avoid overhead powerlines. However, at an altitude between 100 and 150 feet, the aircraft entered a stall condition. Despite efforts to recover, the instructor was unable to regain control before the aircraft impacted the ground.
The investigation
The primary focus of the examination was the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the low-altitude go-around. The narrative indicates that the stall occurred shortly after the initiation of the climb and turn maneuver.
Findings
The critical factor in this accident was the stall of the aircraft at a very low altitude. The combination of the pull-up pitch attitude and the left bank likely reduced the margin for error, leaving insufficient height to recover from the stall before ground impact. The proximity to powerlines necessitated the immediate maneuver, but the aerodynamic consequences were fatal.
Safety message
Pilots practicing forced landings must be aware that go-around maneuvers at low altitudes require precise energy management. Initiating a climb and turn near the ground leaves minimal room for recovery from aerodynamic stalls.