On October 29, 1989, a Beech A23A (registration N6929Q) operated by Denney, William A. was involved in an aviation accident near Roopville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DISREGARD FOR A TAILWIND DURING LANDING, HIS DELAY IN EXECUTING A GO AROUND WHEN HE NOTED EXCESSIVE SPEED DURING THE LANDING ROLL, AND IMPROPER GO AROUND PROCEDURES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While practicing landings from the right seat in VFR conditions, a pilot performed a go-around on the third approach after fast landing roll and ineffective brakes, but erroneously raised the flaps, causing a stall and collision with the ground.
Flight Details
The pilot was on a personal flight in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at a private airstrip. He was conducting landings from the right seat in preparation for a flight later in the afternoon with his father. The pilot reported feeling awkward flying from the right seat and noted that his left hand was clumsy with engine RPM and airspeed control.
Landing Attempts
Two visual approaches were made, and both resulted in go-arounds when the aircraft was not in a safe position to land. After the second go-around, the pilot considered alternatives but decided not to let a little tailwind defeat him.
Incident Sequence
On the third approach, the landing roll was fast. The brakes were not effective. The pilot saw an embankment ahead and attempted a go-around. During the go-around, he erroneously raised the flaps. The stall warning horn sounded, the airplane pitched nose down, and collided with the ground.