What happened
On September 7, 2011, a Reims Aviation Cessna Cessna F 172 M departed from Hamm-Lippewiesen airport for a local flight with three passengers. During the final approach to runway 24, the air traffic controller reported winds from 240 to 260 degrees at 5 to 8 knots.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it experienced an increased airspeed and immediately lifted off the ground, causing the right wingtip to touch the surface. The aircraft then drifted toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted a go-around and notified the tower of the intention via radio. However, during the go-around, the aircraft climbed steeply, rolled to the left, and impacted the ground in a nearly vertical attitude.
The pilot reported experiencing gusty winds from the front during the approach, though he could not recall specific details of the landing due to retrograde amnesia. Passengers described the approach as turbulent and shaky. The accident resulted in two serious and two minor injuries.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft and the flight conditions. The investigation found that the aircraft's nose gear was broken and torn away, with significant deformation to the forward fuselage, propeller, and engine mount. Both wings were compressed and buckled. The investigation also noted that the flaps were found extended to 40 degrees, despite the control lever being in the retracted position.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an overweight takeoff mass of approximately 1,093 kg, which exceeded the maximum allowable takeoff mass of 1,043 kg.
- The calculated center of gravity (114.12) was outside the permissible range specified in the flight manual.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control during the go-around following a bounced landing caused by wind conditions.