Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN21FA299

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 — Lamoni, IA

2 fatal Low-time pilot
DateJuly 1, 2021
LocationLamoni, IA
AircraftCIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceApproach-VFR go-around Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age54
Pilot total time166 hrs · Low time
Time in type45 hrs
Fatalities2

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain aircraft control during an attempted go-around after a bounced landing, which resulted in impact with terrain and a postimpact fire.

NTSB findings

  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained

What happened

The pilot flew a visual approach to the airport, where several witnesses observed the airplane bounce on the runway then heard an increase in engine power, consistent with the pilot’s attempt to initiate a go-around. The airplane banked left, with the left-wing tip striking the ground. It then cartwheeled and impacted the ground to the left of the runway. A postimpact fire ensued, and the pilot and passenger were not able to egress the airplane.

Postaccident examinations of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operation. The airplane’s flaps were found in the retracted position. The airplane’s acute left bank during the attempted go-around was consistent with the pilot’s insufficient right rudder control to counter the airplane’s left-turning tendency associated with the increased engine power.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →