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Casualties unknown

Tail Strike During Go-Around Results in Crash (N8641Q)

Katy, TX, US

On August 31, 1982, a Cessna U206F (registration N8641Q) operated by Douglas A. Freeman was involved in an aviation accident near Katy, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around while maintaining excessive airspeed, which resulted in the tail striking a power line at the end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a landing with quartering tailwind, realized excessive airspeed, and initiated a go-around. The aircraft's tail struck a power line at the end of the runway, leading to a crash.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an arrival procedure when he initiated his final approach for landing. At the time of the attempt, wind conditions included a quartering tailwind component with speeds reaching 4 knots and gusts up to 8 knots. As the aircraft descended toward the runway, the pilot assessed his airspeed and determined it was excessive for a safe landing.

Consequently, the pilot elected to execute a go-around maneuver to abort the landing. During the climb-out phase of this maneuver, the tail section of the aircraft made contact with a power line situated at the end of the runway strip. This collision caused the aircraft to crash immediately following the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around while maintaining excessive airspeed, which resulted in the tail striking a power line at the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1982 Cessna U206F accident near Katy, TX?

A pilot attempted a landing with quartering tailwind, realized excessive airspeed, and initiated a go-around. The aircraft's tail struck a power line at the end of the runway, leading to a crash.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1982 involved a Cessna U206F, registration N8641Q, operated by Douglas A. Freeman, at Katy, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around while maintaining excessive airspeed, which resulted in the tail striking a power line at the end of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.