Pilot Debrief

FREDERICK HAYS-ROTH VELOCITY TWIN near Sebastian, FL — 2014-06-02

Final reportERA14LA279
Sign in to save
Date
2014-06-02
Location
Sebastian, FL, USA
Airport
X26
Aircraft
FREDERICK HAYS-ROTH VELOCITY TWIN
Registration
N360VT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing. Also causal to the accident were the pilot’s subsequent delayed decision to abort the landing and his improper execution of the aborted landing, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot/owner reported that he accompanied the chief pilot of the airplane kit manufacturer on operational ground and flight tests of the airplane following the installation of a rebuilt left propeller. The tests were "normal," and the chief pilot deplaned. The pilot then serviced the airplane with fuel and departed to perform three solo takeoffs and landings. On the third takeoff, the airplane pulled left and required hard right rudder to maintain runway alignment. When the airplane was about traffic pattern altitude, the pilot noted a 1,200-rpm difference between the left and right engines; the left engine was producing 1,400 rpm, and the right engine was producing 2,600 rpm. While flying the remainder of the traffic pattern, the pilot attempted to troubleshoot and get the rpm on the two engines to match until he was on final approach to the runway. The pilot reduced the engine power to idle as the airplane crossed the runway threshold, and the airplane "floated awhile" before touching down and subsequently bouncing again. The pilot stated that, during the second touchdown, the left wing lifted "due to the crosswind from the left" and that he had inadequate speed to control the airplane. The pilot chose to abort the landing after the second bounce when the airplane was at a 45-degree, nose-high attitude. Both engines accelerated to full power, but the airplane collided with the runway, and both main landing gear and propellers were separated. Examination of the propeller assembly revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies, and all noted damage was consistent with impact and overstress.

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

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

Docket documents13

Related mishaps