What happened
The pilot reported that his focus was compromised by a sick passenger in the rear seat of the aircraft. This distraction contributed to an unstable approach, resulting in the aircraft arriving high and fast on final approach for landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced off the runway surface.
In response to the bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. The pilot stated that once a positive rate of climb was established, he attempted to incrementally adjust the flap settings as part of the standard climb-out procedure. However, due to high stress and adrenaline, he inadvertently moved the flap lever in the wrong direction, retracting the flaps completely rather than extending them.
Following the unintended flap retraction, the aircraft lost lift and settled back onto the ground. The impact occurred on the left side of the runway, with the left wing tip striking the surface first.
The investigation
The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events. Key findings included the initial distraction caused by the passenger, the high-speed approach profile, and the mechanical error during the go-around phase where flaps were retracted instead of adjusted incrementally.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by a sick rear seat passenger.
- The aircraft approached the runway high and fast.
- The aircraft bounced upon initial landing.
- The pilot inadvertently retracted the flaps completely during the go-around due to adrenaline.
- The aircraft settled on the left side of the runway, impacting with the left wing tip first.