Casualties unknown

Go-Around Attempt Ends with Stall into Trees (N2933D)

Oceanside, CA, US

On July 31, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2933D) operated by Paul W. Searby was involved in an aviation accident near Oceanside, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO ATTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED DURING THE GO-AROUND. THE LACK OF AIRSPEED DID NOT PERMIT THE AIRPLANE TO CLIMB AND THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE INTO THE TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a go-around after reaching the midpoint of the runway but was unable to climb, subsequently stalling the airplane into trees and bushes.

Incident Overview

A witness reported observing an airplane approximately halfway down the runway when the pilot initiated a go-around. The witness noted that the flaps appeared to be fully retracted, the nose was raised significantly, and the airplane seemed to be mushing—indicating a lack of lift and forward progress.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that despite applying full throttle, the airplane would not climb as expected. Realizing that the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear nearby trees, the pilot reduced power and intentionally stalled the airplane into the bushes and trees.

Sequence of Events

According to the witness, the go-around began about midway along the runway. The airplane's nose was pitched high, and the flaps were in the full up position. The pilot's subsequent actions involved pulling the power off and stalling the airplane into the vegetation.

Damage Assessment

The airplane came to rest in the bushes and trees. The extent of damage to the aircraft was not specified in the initial report.

Investigation Status

No further details regarding the investigation, including the aircraft type, registration, or number of occupants, were provided in the source material.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Oceanside, CA?

A pilot initiated a go-around after reaching the midpoint of the runway but was unable to climb, subsequently stalling the airplane into trees and bushes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2933D, operated by Paul W. Searby, at Oceanside, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO ATTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED DURING THE GO-AROUND. THE LACK OF AIRSPEED DID NOT PERMIT THE AIRPLANE TO CLIMB AND THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY STALLED THE AIRPLANE INTO THE TREES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT DELAYING THE GO-AROUND AFTER HE MISJUDGED THE TOUCHDOWN POINT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28879. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.