Primary finding
Probable cause
An inadvertent retraction of the flaps during a go-around by the pilot-rated passenger, which caused the airplane to settle onto the runway with the landing gear retracted.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing, he elected to go-around because of an overshoot of final and an unstable approach. The pilot applied full power, raised the landing gear, and initiated a climb out. At the same time, the pilot-rated passenger, inadvertently raised the flaps prematurely, which caused the airplane to settle onto the runway with the landing gear retracted. Once the propeller contacted the runway surface, the airplane veered off to the right of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.