What happened
The pilot was conducting an approach and landing when the aircraft floated through the flare zone. After traveling approximately half the length of the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. The ambient temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a density altitude of 3,200 feet. Despite applying full power, the aircraft failed to climb rapidly enough to clear the trees located at the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with these trees and crashed approximately one-half mile beyond the runway threshold.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the go-around phase. The pilot reported that the aircraft did not achieve the necessary climb gradient to clear the obstacle at the runway end. The high temperature contributed to a density altitude of 3,200 feet, which likely degraded performance.
Findings
Contributing factors included the high density altitude conditions and the pilot's decision to continue the landing until the aircraft floated. The failure to clear the trees was due to insufficient climb performance during the go-around. The pilot sustained injuries in the crash, but no fatalities were reported.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that high temperatures significantly increase density altitude, reducing aircraft performance. Go-arounds require careful planning and sufficient runway length to ensure obstacle clearance, especially when performance is degraded by atmospheric conditions.