Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 near Fairfield, NJ — 2010-07-05

Final reportERA10FA347
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Date
2010-07-05
Location
Fairfield, NJ, USA
Airport
CDW
Aircraft
CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Registration
N764CD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the go-around following a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continuance of an unstabilized final approach and the improper use of flaps during the go-around.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continuance of an unstabilized final approach and the improper use of flaps during the go-around.

NTSB narrative

After the pilot reported she was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, witnesses observed the airplane higher than normal on the final approach, which was confirmed by radar data. The airplane landed long and bounced on the runway, followed by a go around. During the go around, witnesses observed the airplane pitch up and enter a left turn. The nose of the airplane then dropped, indicative of a loss of control. The airplane impacted the ground in a steep, nose low attitude about one-half mile north of the airport. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure. The wing flaps were found in the fully extended (100 percent) position at impact. The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook stated that, in a go around situation, the flaps should be retracted to 50 percent during the go around, then fully retracted once obstacles are cleared.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing earlier to avoid loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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