Excessive approach speed leads to off-runway landing of Bristell LSA

Casualties unknown • Aeródromo de Viladamat (Girona), ES

A BRISTELL LSA aircraft veered off the runway and sustained significant damage after a pilot performed a landing at excessive speed following an engine sputter.

What happened

On 9 July 2023, a BRISTELL LSA, registration EC-XSG, was conducting a local flight from Viladamat Aerodrome (Giron anda) when the pilot experienced engine vibrations and sputtering at an altitude of approximately 300 feet. In response to the engine instability, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn to return to the airfield for a landing on runway 09.

During the final approach, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 75 knots, which exceeded the recommended approach speed of 65 KIAS. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice on the runway. During the second bounce, the aircraft veered left of the centerline, leaving the runway and traveling into an adjacent field. The aircraft's momentum carried it across a boundary road and over a 1.5-meter ridge before coming to a stop. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined the aircraft's wreckage, engine components, and onboard video footage. Inspection of the BRISTELL LSA revealed that the engine was in good operational condition, with no significant impurities found in the filters or magnetic screw. While a small amount of sediment was noted in the carburetor bowl, it was not deemed sufficient to cause an engine failure. The propeller blades were found to be severed near the root, indicating the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact.

Analysis of the onboard video confirmed that the engine vibrations lasted only about four seconds. The footage also verified that the aircraft's speed increased to 80 knots during the descent, confirming the approach was performed well above the manufacturer's recommended speed.

Findings

  • The aircraft's engine and systems were functioning normally, aside from a brief period of vibration.
  • The landing was performed at excessive speed, which caused the uncontrolled bounces on the runway.
  • The pilot's decision-making regarding the return to the airfield was characterized as hasty and inadequate.
  • The landing gear collapsed due to the impact of the aircraft jumping the ridge and traveling over uneven terrain.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a failure to adhere to established procedures, specifically performing the approach and landing maneuvers at an excessive speed, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-07-09 AFICIONADO modelo Bristell LSA accident near Aeródromo de Viladamat (Girona), ES?

A BRISTELL LSA aircraft veered off the runway and sustained significant damage after a pilot performed a landing at excessive speed following an engine sputter.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-07-09 involved a AFICIONADO modelo Bristell LSA, registration EC-XSG, at Aeródromo de Viladamat (Girona), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a failure to adhere to established procedures, specifically performing the approach and landing maneuvers at an excessive speed, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.

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