On 18 Mar 2015, a FLIGHT DESIGN CTLS operated by New Flyers Association was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Vernon, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo student pilot experienced a hard landing and bounce during a touch-and-go, then a nose-first descent and nose gear collapse. Postaccident inspection found substantial damage, but no mechanical failures.
Accident Details
A solo student pilot was conducting a local flight in a light sport airplane to practice touch and go landings. During the second landing attempt, the airplane touched down hard on the runway and bounced. After a second bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around. As the pilot added power, the airplane descended nose first into the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse.
Damage and Inspection
A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation.