What happened
The pilot of N5442L was conducting a visual approach behind a Cessna 150. Expecting the lead aircraft to exit the runway at the first taxiway, the pilot maintained position on final approach. However, the Cessna 150 continued past that point and did not turn off until the second taxiway.
Upon realizing the lead aircraft would remain in the pattern longer than anticipated, the pilot of N5442L initiated a go-around maneuver. During this transition, the aircraft appeared to mush, losing altitude rapidly before impacting trees near the airport environment.
The investigation
Post-accident analysis included statements from ground-based observers. An instructor pilot on the ground noted that N5442L was positioned extremely close to the Cessna 150 during the final approach segment, suggesting a potential loss of situational awareness or spacing error prior to the go-around initiation.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to execute a go-around in close proximity to another aircraft and the subsequent loss of control during the maneuver. The unexpected behavior of the lead aircraft, which did not turn off at the anticipated taxiway, played a significant role in the sequence of events.