Accident Overview
On April 20, 1985, a Piper PA-28-140 aircraft crashed during an attempted go-around at North Hampton, New Hampshire. The flight was conducted for pleasure purposes. The aircraft came to rest in an open field after the pilot initiated a turn during the go-around.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140. The pilot was a student pilot with approximately 30 hours of total flying time. All of the pilot's flight instruction had been received at an airport located 20 miles away, and this was the pilot's first known attempt to land at an airport other than the one where instruction was received. The pilot had not previously flown into the North Hampton airfield.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported observing the aircraft fly down the runway. At about the midfield point, the nose pitched up and the pilot executed a turn to the left. During the left turn, the bank angle increased to 90 degrees, and the nose dropped below the horizon. The aircraft then crashed into an open field. None of the witnesses reported hearing an increase in engine RPM during the go-around.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear, with light and variable winds and unlimited visibility.
Runway Information
The runway at North Hampton is 2,050 feet long and 300 feet wide, surrounded by trees.