The purpose of the flight was for a potential buyer, who was not a certificated pilot, to receive a familiarization flight from a sport pilot before the purchase of the Savannah S.
The sport pilot demonstrated two to three touch-and-go landings at the airport in Mountain View, Arkansas. He told investigators that each touch-and-go had various crosswinds and wind gusts.
After the demonstrated landings, the potential buyer asked if he could try an approach and landing, took the flight controls, and flew a standard traffic pattern.
He noted that the windsock was straight out and perpendicular to the runway on short final before landing. Upon touchdown, the right wing rose suddenly, and the left wing struck the runway.
The airplane veered to the left and the potential buyer applied the brakes.
The sport pilot took the flight controls and attempted a go-around, during which the airplane exited the runway to the left, hit a runway light and spun around.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
At the time of the accident the potential buyer was landing the airplane on Runway 27 with wind variable at 4 knots.
Probable Cause: The sport pilot’s poor decision to allow a noncertificated pilot to land the airplane which resulted in a loss of control during landing.
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This November 2023 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.
Wonder if he’s gonna get his sport pilot certificate suspended. Unless the rule has changed, a sport pilot cannot demonstrate his airplane for sale to a potential buyer. Glad no one is hurt seriously.
Insurance I hope.. or do i? ( Our rates go even higher…)
dumb……..
Good lesson for every pilot and why you sometimes need an experienced instructor.
Does the prospective buyer get a big discount now?