Pilot Debrief

LANCAIR 320 near Spokane, WA — 2010-07-27

Final reportWPR10LA374
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Date
2010-07-27
Location
Spokane, WA, USA
Airport
SFF
Aircraft
LANCAIR 320
Registration
N360N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Loss of airplane control due to the asymmetric flap condition.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after initiating a go-around and during a climbing left turn to re-enter the traffic pattern, his attempt to roll out of the turn was unsuccessful. The bank angle continued to near 90 degrees before he was able to maneuver the airplane close to the runway. The airplane ultimately stalled and collided with the runway surface. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed an asymmetric flap condition. Shortly after the accident, the airplane kit manufacturer issued a Service Bulletin that addressed the asymmetric flap problem. The bulletin advised operators to inspect for adequate clearance and ensure that sufficient stiffness is established such that when fully deployed, the flap’s leading edge will not have a tendency to flex upward and snag the trailing edge of the wing. The condition could jam the flap and subsequently preclude its retraction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier after observing another airplane landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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