What happened
The incident involved a non-certificated student pilot who was the sole occupant of the aircraft. The flight was part of a training session focused on conducting touch-and-go landings. During one such landing phase, the aircraft's altitude unexpectedly increased, or ballooned, prompting the pilot to apply additional power in an attempt to execute a go-around maneuver.
As power was added, the airplane began to veer significantly to the left. The aircraft subsequently stalled at an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the ground. Following the stall, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft continued to move laterally, veering off the left side of the runway.
The investigation
The factual narrative provided by the source material is limited to the sequence of events during the flight. No specific mechanical examination details or post-accident inspection findings are included in the provided text. Consequently, no information regarding the condition of the aircraft systems or components can be reported from this source.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the incident were the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the go-around phase. The altitude ballooning during the landing phase suggests a potential mismanagement of pitch or power settings. The subsequent left veer and stall indicate a loss of directional control and airspeed below the critical threshold. The event concluded with the aircraft leaving the paved surface on the left side, resulting in ground contact.
Safety message
This incident highlights the challenges associated with touch-and-go landings for student pilots. Proper energy management during the transition from landing to go-around is critical. Pilots must maintain precise control of pitch and power to prevent altitude deviations and ensure adequate airspeed is maintained to avoid a stall, particularly at low altitudes near the runway environment.