3 May 2017: CESSNA 172 P — LANI LEA SKY TOURS, LLC

3 May 2017: CESSNA 172 P — LANI LEA SKY TOURS, LLC

No fatalities • Kaunakakai, HI, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot’s incorrect flap configuration during the go-around, which resulted in a hard, forced landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot reported that she was practicing touch and go landings to an asphalt runway. She initiated an approach and bounced the landing, then she accomplished a go-around. However, she was airborne when she pushed the carb heat in and applied full throttle, "but mistakenly put flaps up, all at once." The airplane descended to the runway and landed hard. During the landing roll, she pulled the throttle back to idle and gained her bearings, then she initiated a takeoff. She noticed a binding and restriction in the elevator and yoke control movements while remaining in the airport's pattern. She declared an emergency and landed the airplane on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator control column.

The manufacturer's pilot operating handbook identifies the Balked Landing procedure as:

1. Throttle – Full Open

2. Carburetor Heat – Cold

3. Wing Flaps –20° (Immediately)

4. Climb Speed – 55 KIAS

5. Wing Flaps – 10° (Until obstacles are cleared) Retract (After reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS)

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Student/instructed pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 020/09kt, vis 10sm

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