NTSB Factual Report

On September 13, 2017, about 1337 mountain daylight time, a Vans RV-6 experimental airplane, N812SM, registered to the pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground following a loos of control during an attempted go-around at Kelly Airpark (CO15), Elbert, Colorado. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. The flight originated at 1300 from the La Junta Municipal Airport (LHX), La Junta, Colorado, and CO15 was its destination.

The pilot stated that he was 5 miles south of CO15 and called the AWOS via radio. He stated that the AWOS reported wind from 280 degrees at 24 knots with gusts of 32 knots. He called AWOS again while entering the VFR base leg for runway 27 and the reported wind again was from 280 degrees with gusts of 32 knots. Upon turning to final, the pilot felt the strong wind and added power to stay higher than a normal approach. With flaps set to 40 degrees, the pilot decreased power and started to flare. He stated that the wheels hit hard and the airplane bounced, and a gust of wind moved the airplane to the south off the runway. After another bounce, the pilot added power and attempted a go-around. The airplane struck a cistern to the left of the runway, a fence, and came to rest inverted.

Two witnesses stated that there were very strong wind gusts at the time of the accident.

The nearest weather reporting facility was located about two miles from the accident site. The METAR at 1329 (seven minutes prior to the accident) reported wind from 280 degrees at 21 knots with gusts of 25 knots.