Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN GENERAL ACFT CORP AG5 near Rio Vista, CA — 2017-07-03

Final reportGAA17CA379
Sign in to save
Date
2017-07-03
Location
Rio Vista, CA, USA
Airport
O88
Aircraft
AMERICAN GENERAL ACFT CORP AG5
Registration
N321MW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps and about 20 ft above ground level (agl). He added, that about 5 to 10 ft agl, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that the airplane became "vertical" and that he lost directional control. He added that he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system, which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, before the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15. As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Avoiding areas with gusts greater than 10 knots could have prevented loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps