Accident Sequence
A pilot reported that during a landing at the destination airport, the approach was stabilized and felt normal with flaps set at 100%. During the flare, about 1 to 2 feet above the ground, the airplane suddenly yawed to the left approximately 30 to 45 degrees. The pilot applied right rudder but could not maintain parallel with the runway and decided to go around. Upon applying power, the airplane yawed violently to the left, impacted the ground, exited the runway to the left, and came to rest in the grass to the left of a parallel taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Flight Data Analysis
Flight data from the accident flight revealed that within 25 seconds of the accident, the airplane descended from 782 ft mean sea level (msl) to 619 ft msl with descent rates peaking around 1019 ft per minute, and indicated airspeed decreased from 86 knots to 60 knots. About 2 seconds before the accident, the pitch attitude peaked at 7 degrees with a left roll of 16 degrees. The airport elevation was about 638 ft.
Data from a crash hardened Recoverable Data Module (RDM) installed in the tail showed that the airplane veered left, power and pitch were momentarily increased, and the stall warning horn was activated.
Aircraft Information
The airplane manufacturer recommended a landing approach speed with flaps set to 100% of 80 to 85 knots. The aerodynamic stall speed at maximum gross weight was about 60 knots.
Additional Information
The pilot reported using left rudder during the en route phase to stay coordinated and alternating legs due to muscle fatigue. During landing, he used very little rudder to maintain centerline. The pilot reported the wind was light and variable, not gusting. RDM data indicated wind from 359 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 19L. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and verified rudder control continuity, reporting that everything was intact.