Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX07CA228

San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N599CA

DTA Sari Combo FC 912

Analysis

The airplane collided with the runway while practicing a touch-and-go landing. The flight instructor stated that just as the airplane was rounding out in the flare the airplane made a quick pitch down, which the instructor thought was due to a sudden power reduction by the student. The airplane nose gear impacted the runway and collapsed. The instructor stated that he felt the accident could have been avoided by maintaining steady partial power, maintaining a slight nose-up pitch attitude, and landing farther down the runway. The instructor and student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Factual Information

In a written report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the CFI stated that during an instructional flight, he and the student pilot were performing a touch-and-go landing at the time of the accident. The airplane started to roundout in the flare, with a slight climb, followed by a quick pitch down, which the CFI thought was due to a sudden power reduction by the student. The airplane nose gear impacted the runway and collapsed. The CFI stated he felt the accident could have been avoided by maintaining steady partial power, maintaining a slight nose up pitch attitude, and landing farther down the runway. The CFI and student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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