No fatalities

25 Jan 2015: FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTLS — KINGS COUNTY CA SHERIFF — Hanford, CA

Hanford, CA, United States

On 25 Jan 2015, a FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTLS operated by KINGS COUNTY CA SHERIFF was involved in an aviation accident near Hanford, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing. 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

A pilot reported multiple hard landings and bounces during approach, resulting in substantial firewall damage. The pilot initiated go-arounds and eventually landed safely.

Incident Overview

According to a report filed by the pilot, the aircraft was on a straight-in approach for landing. During touchdown, the airplane landed hard and bounced. The pilot attempted to land again, but the nose dropped, causing a second bounce. Opting to go around, the pilot added power, but the airplane bounced again before lifting off.

Subsequent Attempts

The second landing attempt resulted in another hard landing. The pilot initiated another go-around and subsequently landed the airplane without further incident.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

Pilot Recommendation

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had more experience flying this type and model of airplane.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintained