Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Dirt Mound During Go-Around at Private Airstrip (N7431P)

Rockledge, FL, US

On September 16, 1984, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7431P) was involved in an aviation accident near Rockledge, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's miscalculation during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in the aircraft impacting a dirt mound and brush. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with a dirt mound while attempting a go-around at a private airstrip. The pilot attributed the accident to a miscalculation during the takeoff phase.

What happened

The aircraft was operating at a private airstrip when it became involved in an accident during a go-around maneuver. According to the pilot, runway 27 was selected based on wind reports received from a different airport. Upon touching down approximately midway along the strip, the pilot retracted the flaps and applied full power to initiate takeoff.

During this phase of flight, the aircraft impacted brush located on top of a dirt mound. Following the impact, the pilot characterized the event as a miscalculation.

The investigation

The investigation relied primarily on statements provided by the pilot regarding the sequence of events and decision-making process leading up to the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot's miscalculation during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in the aircraft impacting a dirt mound and brush.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41154. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.