Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, while landing at night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot made two attempts to land and executed a go-around each time for what appeared to the local controller to be a too-fast approach. After another approach, the aircraft touched down and bounced a couple of times, then it veered off the runway and collided with a runway sign. The wind was calm, and the pilot reported no mechanical problems.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 20, 1995, at 1757 hours Pacific standard time, a Diamond Aircraft DA20-A1 Katana, N402KT, veered to the left of runway 30 after landing and collided with a taxi sign at the San Carlos airport in San Carlos, California. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the two occupants were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time with calm winds. The aircraft departed San Carlos at 1715 for a local pleasure flight. According to the local air traffic controller, the pilot had made two other attempts to land and executed a go-around each time for what appeared to be a too-fast approach. On the last landing, the aircraft bounced a couple of times and then veered to the left side of the runway. Runway 30 is 2,600 feet long and 75 feet wide. The runway was dry and the runway lights were set on medium intensity for the night landing. In his accident report the pilot indicated that he lost control while landing and veered off the left side of the runway and collided with a runway sign. He also indicated there was no mechanical problems with the aircraft. -