What happened
The incident occurred during the final approach phase of flight. Approximately 20 feet above the ground, the wind conditions changed abruptly, shifting from a headwind to a direct crosswind. This sudden change caused the airplane to drop and subsequently bounce off the runway surface.
In an attempt to recover from the bounce, the pilot applied full power. However, this maneuver resulted in a stall on one wing. The stalled wing dropped sharply and struck the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. The event resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. Analysis confirmed that the primary factor was the pilot's attempt to recover from a bounce using full power, which induced an aerodynamic stall. The structural damage was consistent with the described cartwheeling motion following the wing drop.
Findings
Contributing factors included the wind shift from headwind to crosswind and the subsequent loss of control due to stalling. The pilot's decision to apply full power during the bounce directly led to the stall and impact. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the event. The substantial damage indicates a high-energy impact with the ground.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that applying full power during a bounce can lead to a stall, especially if airspeed is low. Proper recovery techniques for bounced landings are critical to maintaining control and preventing structural damage.