Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12IS N46TB accident near Appleton, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during landing and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the runway. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that during the landing, the wind shifted from a headwind and the airspeed dropped. He directed the pilot receiving instruction to increase engine power; however, the pilot’s response was delayed. The flight instructor attempted to correct by adding engine power, but the airplane stalled and landed hard. During the hard landing, the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and lift strut. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot receiving instruction was landing the airplane on runway 12 with wind from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA125 for the full record.