On August 11, 1984, a Cessna 305A (registration N6735Q) operated by George Pipes was involved in an aviation accident near Blakesburg, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft mushed into tall corn off the runway end during a go-around. The pilot reported landing long on a 2170-foot turf runway, and a seat belt interfering with flap handle operation led to an incorrect flap setting.
Accident Overview
During an attempted go-around, an aircraft mushed into tall corn beyond the departure end of the runway and nosed over. The accident occurred after the pilot had landed long on a 2170-foot turf runway in calm wind conditions.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after touching down, he determined that he could not stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance and initiated a go-around. According to the pilot, a seat belt interfered with the operation of the flap handle, resulting in an incorrect flap setting. As the flaps were being adjusted, the airspeed became marginal. The pilot stated that when a wing dropped, he reduced power to prevent a so-called "torque roll." Realizing that the aircraft would not clear the obstacles ahead, the pilot focused on keeping the wings level. The aircraft then mushed into the corn and nosed over.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's total flight experience in this make of aircraft was reported as 37 hours at the time of the accident.