Pilot Debrief

MILLER STEVEN M RV6 A near Elbert, CO — 2017-09-13

Final reportCEN17LA367
Sign in to save
Date
2017-09-13
Location
Elbert, CO, USA
Airport
CO15
Aircraft
MILLER STEVEN M RV6 A
Registration
N812SM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare in strong gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his loss of directional control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with objects.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that he was conducting a personal, cross-country flight and that, when he was about 5 miles from his destination airport, he checked the AWOS, which reported wind from 280° at 24 knots, gusting to 32 knots. He checked the AWOS again while entering the base leg for runway 27, and the reported wind had not changed. Upon turning to final, the pilot felt strong wind and added power to stay higher than a normal approach. With flaps set to 40°, the pilot decreased power and started to flare the airplane. The wheels hit the runway hard, the airplane bounced, and a wind gust pushed the airplane left off the runway. After the airplane bounced again, the pilot added power and attempted a go-around. Subsequently, the airplane again exited the left side of the runway and struck a cistern and a fence and then came to rest inverted. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the pilot improperly flared the airplane in strong gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane bouncing and the subsequent loss of directional control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing earlier due to strong wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps