Fatal Crash During Go-Around on Short Dirt Road

Casualties unknown • 4NM W OF Boring, OR, US

A pilot died and a passenger was injured when an aircraft failed to stop on a short dirt road, collided with a tree and house during a go-around attempt.

What happened

The aircraft attempted to land on a soft, short dirt road located near the pilot's home. The total length of this runway was 462 ft. The pilot touched down 74 ft short of the markers designated for the planned touchdown point. According to the passenger, it became quickly apparent that the aircraft would not be able to stop in time.

In response, the pilot retracted the flaps to 20 degrees and applied full power to initiate a go-around. The aircraft left the ground 71 ft before reaching the end of the road. Approximately 125 ft away from the runway end stood a tree that was 16 ft tall. The aircraft struck this tree at an altitude of about 8 ft above ground level.

Following the impact with the tree, the aircraft continued forward and hit a house located about 25 ft away. Part of the aircraft remained at this location, specifically the tail section and part of the fuselage. The forward cabin and cockpit area, along with the wings, struck a motor home. The wreckage then continued moving through the yard for another 125 ft.

The two occupants and their seats were thrown out of the cockpit during the collision sequence. They came to rest near the forward portion of the aircraft. The pilot died from his injuries, while the passenger sustained only minor injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to stop on the short dirt runway and subsequent failure to clear obstacles during the go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-11-08 Cessna A185F accident near 4NM W OF Boring, OR?

A pilot died and a passenger was injured when an aircraft failed to stop on a short dirt road, collided with a tree and house during a go-around attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-11-08 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N53079, operated by Terrance O. Bohrer, at 4NM W OF Boring, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to stop on the short dirt runway and subsequent failure to clear obstacles during the go-around maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45199. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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