What happened
The accident occurred during an attempted go-around maneuver. According to witness reports, the aircraft was positioned higher than normal and traveling at excessive speed while drifting to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot had previously made two or three unsuccessful attempts to land prior to this final approach.
During the go-around, the right wing struck a tree. Immediately following this impact, the left wing contacted a nearby building. The aircraft then lost control and impacted the ground in a freshly plowed field.
The investigation
Investigation findings relied heavily on witness accounts regarding the aircraft's flight path and attitude during the final approach. Witnesses consistently reported that the aircraft was high and fast, deviating to the right of the intended runway centerline. This deviation contributed to the sequence of impacts with the tree and building before the final ground impact.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident included the pilot's decision to continue an unstable approach and execute a go-around from an unsafe altitude and airspeed. The aircraft's position high and fast, combined with drifting right of the centerline, resulted in the wing strikes. The lack of successful landing attempts prior to the incident suggests difficulty in establishing a stable configuration for touchdown.
Safety message
Pilots are reminded that go-arounds should be initiated early if the approach is not stabilized. Continuing an approach that is high and fast increases the risk of spatial disorientation and loss of control during the transition to climb. Maintaining proper centerline alignment and adhering to stabilized approach criteria are critical for safe landing operations.