What happened
During a flight from Southport to Bankstown, the pilot maintained a steady approach and followed standard procedures, including reporting progress at Prospect Reservoir. The descent profile was consistent with a standard 3° approach, and flight data indicated the aircraft was at the manufacturer-recommended speed of 80 kt by 300 ft. However, as the aircraft descended below 100 ft, the airspeed dropped to between 71 and 61 kt.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced along the runway, causing the tail to scrape the surface. This unstable landing was followed by an attempt to initiate a go-around. Approximately five seconds after the initial contact with the runway, the aircraft lifted off and immediately entered a steep climbing left turn, reaching a height of roughly 40 ft. The aircraft then dropped, impacting the ground on its nose and left wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's behavior during the transition from landing to go-around. While there was no recorded engine or flight data for the specific accident sequence, CCTV and witness accounts suggested the aircraft was operating with high engine power during the lift-off. The investigation noted that the pilot's pitch-up maneuver was excessive and did not align with recommended go-around procedures, which advise pitching to a level attitude to facilitate acceleration.
It was determined that the application of high power likely intensified the effects of the nose-up control inputs. The investigation also highlighted that the high-power engine in the Cirrus SR22 can produce a noticeable surge and significant torque when the throttle is advanced. At the low airspeeds present during the maneuver, this torque effect created a strong left-turning tendency that the pilot could not counteract through rudder or aileron inputs.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to manage the substantial torque effect produced by high engine power, a high pitch angle, and low airspeed during the early stages of the go-around.
- The loss of directional control led to the steep bank and subsequent impact.
- A secondary safety concern was identified regarding first responders, who initially failed to secure the aircraft's ballistic parachute (CAPS) system, increasing the risk of accidental rocket activation.