This July 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22. Injuries: None. Location: Winder, Ga. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was to fulfill an insurance company requirement for the pilot/owner of the aircraft, who was accompanied by a CFI. The first maneuver was a simulated forced landing to runway 5. The CFI stated that due to minimum downwind spacing and a short base leg, the aircraft overshot the final approach path. When he realized that the approach was not stabilized, the flight instructor attempted to assume control of the aircraft and initiate a go-around, but as he advanced the power it became evident that the airspeed and altitude were too low and the airplane hit terrain to the left of the runway. The airplane went down an embankment.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to obtain the proper touchdown point during a practice forced landing, and the flight instructor’s delayed decision to initiate a go-around.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: ERA09CA387
