No fatalities

10 Sep 2011: AERO SP Z O O AT-4 LSA — San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA, United States

On 10 Sep 2011, an AERO SP Z O O AT-4 LSA was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing, the pilot reported a loss of lift at three feet above the runway, leading to a hard landing and bounces. After a tower-ordered go-around, the airplane yawed left, the left wing struck the ground, and the landing gear collapsed.

Landing Sequence

The pilot stated that the approach for landing was normal. After the airplane crossed the runway numbers, the pilot initiated the flare. When the airplane was about three feet above the runway, it "lost all lift," and the pilot could not prevent a hard landing. The airplane bounced, and while airborne again, the pilot applied power to prevent a second hard landing. However, the airplane began to weather vane to the left. It bounced a second time, and a tower controller instructed the pilot to go around.

Pilot's Report

The pilot applied full power for the go-around. The airplane yawed further to the left, and the left wing struck the ground. The nose and right main landing gear collapsed, the airplane slid to a stop, and the engine was stopped by the propeller striking the ground. The pilot attributed the loss of lift to a wind gust. He attributed the loss of directional control to the slow speed of the airplane and the high P-factor and torque resulting from full engine power.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that he was landing to the west. The winds were reported as being from the southwest at 10 knots, with no gusts.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedPilot