What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was engaged in a solo instructional flight intended to accumulate flight time toward a higher certification. During the second landing attempt of this training sortie, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon touchdown. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver.
As the airplane began a turn to the left during the climb-out, it entered a stall condition. The loss of control led directly to an impact with trees and subsequent terrain collision. Following the event, the pilot reported experiencing a period of mental blankness immediately prior to the accident sequence.
The investigation
Investigation of the flight data and physical evidence confirmed that the aircraft stalled during the go-around phase. The mechanical components were examined, but no pre-impact failures were identified as contributing factors. The primary focus remained on the pilot's actions during the critical low-altitude maneuver.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a loss of airspeed control during a high-workload phase of flight. The initial bounce required immediate and precise energy management, which appears to have been insufficient. The subsequent stall was the direct result of this aerodynamic state. The pilot's reported mental blankness suggests a possible onset of spatial disorientation or cognitive overload, though this remains a subjective account.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate airspeed and pitch attitude during go-around procedures, particularly after a bounced landing. Pilots must be prepared to manage energy states effectively without delay to prevent stall conditions at low altitude.