AAIB investigation to Pitts S-1S Pitts Special, G-PARG

Loss of control and impact with terrain during a go-around, Gloucester Airport, 12 August 2016.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 November 2016

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 12 August 2016
• Aircraft type: Pitts S-1S Pitts Special
• Location: Gloucester Airport
• Registration: G-PARG

Summary:

The aircraft was on final approach to Runway 22 where the surface wind was from 240° (varying between 210° and 280°) at 12 kt gusting to 22 kt, the visibility was over 10 km and there were few clouds at 4,000 ft amsl. The pilot reported that the aircraft bounced on touchdown and began to yaw to the left. He applied power to go around but, as the aircraft reached a height of approximately 30 ft (estimated visually by the controller in the ATC tower), it banked to the left and the wing tip struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest “almost inverted” but the pilot was able to exit unaided with only minor injuries.

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Pitts S-1S Special, G-PARG 11-16

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 10 November 2016