Aeroprakt Manufacturing Sp Zoo A22LS N22FC accident near Searcy, Arkansas

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that during the instructional flight, a thunderstorm developed in the area so they returned to the airport. About five miles from the airport, he obtained the weather information and noted the wind was from 210° at 7 knots, but the wind speed increased as they approached the airport. On short final the airplane encountered an unexpected windshear, which resulted in a significant sink rate. Airport surveillance video of the accident revealed that the airplane touched down with the right main landing gear first, then veered to the left side of the runway and into the grass. As he applied full power to go around, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane spun left about 360°. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA297 for the full record.