What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation on a runway measuring 2300 feet in length. Conditions included a significant crosswind component of 80 degrees relative to the runway heading. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced hard off the pavement. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver while maintaining 25 degrees of flap extension.
During the climb-out phase, airspeed deteriorated rapidly. Recognizing the inability to maintain safe flight parameters for a continued go-around, the pilot elected to reland on the same runway. During the subsequent rollout after touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the available pavement and ran off the end of the runway. The aircraft then collided with the embankment of a nearby creek.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the landing dynamics and pilot decision-making during the go-around attempt. The primary mechanical factor identified was the hard bounce at initial touchdown, which compromised the aircraft's momentum and control authority. The subsequent deterioration of airspeed during the go-around phase limited the pilot's options for a safe climb-out.
Findings
The accident sequence was driven by a combination of environmental factors and operational decisions. Key contributing factors included:
- 80-degree crosswind which contributed to the hard bounce on touchdown.
- Deteriorating airspeed during the go-around phase with flaps extended.
- Runway overrun due to insufficient stopping distance after the reland attempt.
- Collision with terrain at the end of the runway.
The pilot's decision to reland was necessitated by the loss of airspeed, but the available runway length proved insufficient for a safe stop following the bounced landing and subsequent go-around attempt.