Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX00LA007

SALINAS, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N50AL

Pitts S2B

Analysis

Calm wind conditions prevailed as the pilot completed six touch-and-go landings. On the next landing the airplane bounced, and the pilot initiated a go-around as part of the recovery attempt. He said the airplane veered left off the runway heading and was going toward the control tower. He banked right to return to the runway centerline and the right wing tip drug the ground. The airplane then settled into the ground and the wing and propeller were damaged.

Factual Information

On October 11, 1999, about 1100 hours Pacific daylight time, a Pitts S2B, N50AL, drug a wing during a go-around from a bounced landing while practicing touch-and-go landings at the Salinas, California, municipal airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and was not injured. The local personal flight departed Salinas at 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and included calm wind conditions. No flight plan was filed. The pilot stated he completed six touch-and-go landings. On the next landing the airplane bounced, and the pilot initiated a go-around as part of the recovery attempt. He said the airplane veered left off the runway heading and was going toward the control tower. He banked right to return to the runway centerline and the right wing tip drug the ground. The airplane then settled into the ground and the wing and propeller were damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the effects of torque and P-factor during a go-around from a bounced landing, which led to a loss of control and the inadvertent dragging of a wing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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