What happened
During an approach, the pilot elected to perform a go-around after believing the aircraft was too high. While the pilot reported being at an altitude of 300–350 ft, flight data revealed the descent had actually stopped at less than 80 ft above the threshold, suggesting a stable approach position. The aircraft began its climb approximately halfway down the runway, rather than over the threshold as the pilot had recalled. During this maneuver, the pilot reported that the engine failed to produce full power.
The investigation
The investigation examined engine performance and aircraft configuration. Although the pilot reported an engine issue, there was no recorded data available to verify engine parameters. An inspection of the engine revealed no mechanical faults or evidence of significant carburetor icing. The investigation noted that the engine's behavior might have been influenced by an abrupt forward movement of the throttle, which a witness described as a loud 'bang'.
Crucially, the investigation found that the pilot likely maintained a flap setting of 40 degrees during the climb. This configuration creates significant drag, which likely caused the pilot's perception that the engine was underperforming.
Findings
- The aircraft was likely incorrectly configured during the go-around, which reduced its ability to climb.
- An unrestrained object within the cockpit or baggage area was identified as a hazard, as such items can jam flight controls or cause injury during abrupt maneuvers.
- The engine was found to be mechanically sound, and the perceived power loss was likely due to high drag from the flap setting.