Diamond DA 40

Full Narrative

The pilot receiving instruction reported that, during landing in windy conditions, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline. He applied right rudder and aileron to correct, but when "it became apparent the aircraft was going to drift to [the] left of runway", he initiated a go around. The flight instructor reported that the airplane had touched down momentarily and that he heard a "thump." The pilot then added power and made "several corrections" to maintain runway heading and established a climb. The instructor reported to the tower controller that the airplane may have struck a runway edge light. The pilot landed the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident.

A postaccident examination found white paint transfer marks on the runway leading to a runway light and that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both the left and right ailerons. The pilot added that airport personnel informed him that a runway light was damaged and would require replacement.

The chief pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The flight instructor reported that the wind was from 350° at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 3 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 13 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30.