What happened
On the evening of May 10, 1998, a RANS S7 Courier ultralight aircraft, identified as 57-OH, was performing a private flight near the Geville airfield. During the final approach from the south, the pilot was positioned slightly high and to the left of the runway centerline. In an attempt to correct the trajectory, the pilot increased the rate of descent.
The aircraft bounced upon its initial contact with the ground. In an effort to cushion a second touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around. After a short period of climb, the aircraft entered a tight right-hand turn, during which it lost control and crashed. The impact sequence began with the right wing striking the ground, followed by the nose, propeller, and left wing. The passenger was able to assist the pilot out of the cockpit before the wreckage was fully consumed by fire.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the landing attempt and the subsequent maneuver. Investigators examined the wreckage and noted that the propeller showed evidence of being under power at the time of the accident. The impact pattern indicated that the right wing struck the terrain first, followed by the nose and the left wing.
Findings
- The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one injury to the passenger.
- The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
- The primary cause of the accident was the operation of the ultralight at the edge of its flight envelope during the go-around maneuver.