What happened
During the landing phase, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a bounce upon initial contact with the runway surface. In response to this event, the pilot advanced the throttle in an attempt to execute a go-around maneuver. However, the engine failed to produce the expected power response. The aircraft subsequently struck the runway again and bounced once more. This second impact resulted in structural failure of the landing gear system, specifically causing both the left main gear and the nose gear to collapse.
The investigation
Following the accident, a post-accident inspection was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft. A test run of the engine was performed to verify its operational integrity. The inspection revealed that the engine operated normally during this ground test, indicating that the lack of power response during the go-around attempt was not due to an internal engine malfunction.
Findings
The sequence of events began with a bounced touchdown. The critical factor in the severity of the damage was the failure of the engine to respond to throttle input during the go-around attempt. This lack of power prevented the pilot from aborting the landing, leading to a second impact that overstressed the landing gear beyond its design limits.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that bounced landings require immediate and decisive action. Ensuring adequate power is available for a go-around is critical. If power does not respond as expected during a go-around, pilots must be prepared to manage the resulting impact forces and potential structural damage.