On October 4, 1984, a Cessna T210L (registration N2073S) was involved in an aviation accident near Redding, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to land on the correct runway and his decision to initiate a go-around at an unsafe altitude and airspeed, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's preoccupation with business and complacency. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed on the active runway in use but with a tailwind, realizing too late that stopping was impossible. A go-around was attempted but the aircraft struck trees at the runway end.
What happened
The runway in use at the time of the incident was Runway 15. The pilot broadcasted on the UNICOM frequency an intention to land on Runway 15. However, the pilot landed on Runway 33 instead, which had a 10-knot tailwind component.
During the landing roll, the pilot realized that the aircraft would not be able to stop within the remaining runway length. Consequently, the pilot initiated a go-around. The aircraft did not attain flying speed before running off the end of the runway and striking trees.
The pilot cited preoccupation with business matters and complacency as factors contributing to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to land on the correct runway and his decision to initiate a go-around at an unsafe altitude and airspeed, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's preoccupation with business and complacency.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Oct 1984 Cessna T210L accident near Redding, CA?
A pilot landed on the active runway in use but with a tailwind, realizing too late that stopping was impossible. A go-around was attempted but the aircraft struck trees at the runway end.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Oct 1984 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N2073S, at Redding, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to land on the correct runway and his decision to initiate a go-around at an unsafe altitude and airspeed, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's preoccupation with business and complacency.
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