What happened
The pilot executed an approach to runway 13 but overshot the intended landing path, necessitating a go-around. To provide additional space for the subsequent attempt, the pilot extended the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern. During the turn onto final approach, the aircraft aligned with a street that paralleled the runway. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot noticed an "X" painted on the street surface and immediately initiated another go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted laterally and struck a cyclone fence.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path deviations during the missed approach phases. Examination of the site confirmed the point of impact with the perimeter fencing. No mechanical anomalies were reported that would have prevented the pilot from recognizing the runway alignment or executing the go-around procedures.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's decision to extend the crosswind leg, which altered the final approach geometry. The aircraft inadvertently lined up with a parallel street rather than the runway centerline. The presence of pavement markings on the adjacent street likely contributed to the confusion or delayed recognition of the incorrect alignment until just before touchdown.
Safety message
Pilots should be cautious when extending traffic pattern legs, particularly in areas where streets or other linear features parallel the runway. Maintaining strict adherence to runway centerline alignment is critical to avoid spatial disorientation or misidentification of the landing environment during final approach.