Accident Details
On June 13, 2013, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane, registration N552ND, impacted terrain during a go-around maneuver at Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The solo student pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the University of North Dakota under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The local flight had originated from KGFK around 1200.
Flight Sequence
According to information from the University of North Dakota, the pilot departed the airport and practiced maneuvers in a local air work area before returning for landing practice. The first landing attempt was too fast, prompting a go-around. During the second attempt, the airplane landed hard and bounced. Another go-around was initiated, and during the climb, the left wing dropped. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain at a nose-low attitude of about 50 degrees.
Data extracted from the Garmin G1000 avionics system revealed that the airplane touched down with an indicated airspeed of about 40 knots. After the bounce, the nose was pitched up to 15 degrees. As airspeed decayed to approximately 25 knots, the pilot applied engine power and pitched the airplane 10–15 degrees nose up. The airplane touched down again and rolled a short distance before taking off with airspeed around 30 knots. The airplane then pitched to 20 degrees nose high, stalled, and rolled left.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airframe and engine by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors found no preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Technique Reference
The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B) advises that when a bounce is severe, the safest action is to execute a go-around immediately. It also states that full power should be applied while maintaining directional control and lowering the nose to a safe climb attitude.