Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during an approach and landing, which initially seemed normal, they decided to conduct a practice go-around and subsequent landing. Upon applying full power, the nose pitched up excessively, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway with a hard landing. The aircraft then skidded to the side of the runway, resulting in a propeller strike.
Witness Observation
A witness who observed the event described seeing the aircraft in a landing attitude approximately three to four feet above the ground, with the engine apparently at idle power. The witness then noted that the engine transitioned to full power, at which point the aircraft pitched up abruptly and appeared to stall. The right wing subsequently lowered, and the aircraft fell to the ground. It then veered left through a fence and came to rest at the edge of a hill.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's account, the landing was normal until after touchdown, when a practice go-around was initiated. The application of full power led to an excessive nose-up pitch attitude, causing the aircraft to descend back onto the runway. The impact was hard, and the aircraft skidded sideways, eventually leaving the runway surface and striking the ground with the propeller.
The witness's account corroborates the pilot's description of the sudden pitch-up and loss of altitude. The witness further noted that before the go-around, the aircraft appeared to be in a normal landing configuration with power at idle. The abrupt application of full power preceded the stall-like behavior and subsequent loss of control.
Conclusion
The pilot's intended practice go-around resulted in a hard landing and runway excursion. The witness's observations indicate that the aircraft stalled following the power application, leading to a loss of height and directional control. The incident concluded with the aircraft coming to rest off the runway, having sustained a propeller strike.