Single-engine go-around leads to gear collapse during instructional flight

Casualties unknown • Petaluma, CA, US

An instructional flight involving a single-engine go-around procedure resulted in an aircraft ground impact and landing gear collapse.

What happened

During an instructional flight conducted under VFR conditions, the crew was performing a practice single-engine VOR approach to the airport. As part of the procedure, the right engine was set to zero thrust. The winds were reported as straight down runway 29.

After overflying the runway and circling to enter right traffic, the instructor decided to have the student perform a single-engine go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed was above Vmc. However, because the go-around command was issued at too low an altitude, the airplane touched down while the left engine was at full power. This caused the aircraft to veer to the right.

The aircraft became airborne again in a nose-high, yawing, and right-rolling attitude. The instructor subsequently assumed control and reduced power on the left engine. The aircraft then settled to the ground in a nose-high, yawed, and banked attitude. The impact caused the right main gear and nose gear to collapse, with the right main gear exiting the pavement.

Findings

The investigation determined that there were no mechanical malfunctions or system failures present in the aircraft. The instructor noted that during the early stages of the maneuver, neither the student nor the instructor provided sufficiently aggressive control inputs to correct the aircraft's attitude. Additionally, the instructor indicated he may have waited too long before taking control of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The instructor initiated a single-engine go-around at an insufficient altitude, leading to an inadvertent touchdown with asymmetric power and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-04-19 Beech 76 accident near Petaluma, CA?

An instructional flight involving a single-engine go-around procedure resulted in an aircraft ground impact and landing gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-04-19 involved a Beech 76, registration N6636J, operated by Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics, at Petaluma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor initiated a single-engine go-around at an insufficient altitude, leading to an inadvertent touchdown with asymmetric power and subsequent loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020420X00560. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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