Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare at touchdown.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following a cross-country flight in a weight-shift-controlled airplane, the solo student pilot approached for landing at a controlled airport. During the landing flare the aircraft began to drift to the right and the student pilot elected to perform a go-around maneuver. However, after inputting full engine throttle, the main landing gear impacted the runway about 30-45 degrees off from the runway’s centerline. The aircraft then veered off the runway and came to rest on its right side. A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the wing had sustained structural damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
Following a cross-country flight in a weight-shift aircraft, the solo student pilot approached for landing at a controlled airport. During the landing flare the aircraft began to drift to the right and the student pilot elected to perform a go-around maneuver. However, after initiating full engine throttle the main landing gear impacted the runway about 30-45 degrees off from the runway’s centerline. The aircraft then veered off the runway and came to rest on its right side. An examination of the aircraft following the mishap revealed that the wing had sustained structural damage.