What happened
On May 19, 2014, a Piper PA-28 Archer II, registration LX-AVA, was conducting a flight training exercise near Volmerange-les-Mines. The flight, operated by a flying club, involved an instructor and two students performing simulated engine failure maneuvers.
The student pilot initiated the exercise by reducing power to simulate an engine outage. During the maneuver, the student selected a landing field and extended full flaps. At approximately 200 feet, the instructor determined the exercise was successful and instructed the student to abort the simulation and perform a go-around.
While applying full power and adjusting the carburetor heat, the student accidentally retracted all flaps instead of just one notch. The instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to stabilize the flight; however, despite applying full power, the aircraft's nose remained high and the airspeed failed to increase while the altitude continued to drop. The instructor attempted to flare just before the aircraft struck the ground, resulting in the failure of the nose and right main landing gear.
The investigation
The AET examined the flight profiles, the cockpit actions during the go-around, and the aerodynamic state of the aircraft. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the accidental flap retraction and the subsequent loss of altitude. Investigators analyzed the airspeed and power relationship, specifically looking at whether the aircraft entered a critical flight regime during the low-altitude maneuver.
Findings
- Insufficient airspeed monitoring during the engine failure simulation led to a loss of speed prior to the go-around attempt.
- The student pilot's error in retracting all flaps significantly increased drag at a low altitude.
- An excessive pitch attitude during the go-around prevented the aircraft from accelerating despite full power.
- The aircraft entered the critical second regime of flight, where the power required for level flight exceeded the power available, causing a continuous descent that could not be corrected due to the low altitude.