Pilot Debrief

SIAI MARCHETTI S211 near Borrego Valley, CA — 2014-10-24

Final reportWPR15CA031
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Date
2014-10-24
Location
Borrego Valley, CA, USA
Airport
L08
Aircraft
SIAI MARCHETTI S211
Registration
N211JY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The private pilot's premature landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was for him to receive instruction from the rear-seated flight instructor (CFI). Following departure, they flew to a nearby airport with the intent of performing touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings. As the airplane approached the touchdown zone, the private pilot prematurely flared. The CFI assumed control of the airplane and decreased the pitch attitude while simultaneously applying engine power. Despite his attempts, the airplane contacted the runway hard in a nose-high attitude. The CFI opted to abort the landing and climbed to traffic pattern altitude to verify proper control input. He landed on the same runway without incident. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilots stated that the accident could have been prevented if they had flared closer to the runway. During the impact sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. Both pilots reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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