On May 10, 1991, a Cessna 180 (registration N51612) operated by Walter L. Sitz was involved in an aviation accident near Drewsey, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the approach despite floating down the runway and subsequent collision with a stationary object during the go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a pleasure flight, the pilot attempted a go-around after floating down a dirt airstrip. The aircraft cleared power lines but struck a carport attached to a house at the end of the runway.
What happened
The incident occurred during a pleasure flight when the pilot initiated an approach for landing at a private dirt airstrip. After touchdown, the airplane encountered an updraft that caused it to become airborne again. The aircraft floated down the length of the strip before the pilot decided to execute a go-around maneuver.
During the climb-out, the pilot had to navigate under power lines located at the end of the airstrip. While the airplane successfully cleared these wires, the right wing struck a carport. This structure was attached to a house situated at the end of the airstrip.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the approach despite floating down the runway and subsequent collision with a stationary object during the go-around.
What happened in the 10 May 1991 Cessna 180 accident near Drewsey, OR?
During a pleasure flight, the pilot attempted a go-around after floating down a dirt airstrip. The aircraft cleared power lines but struck a carport attached to a house at the end of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 May 1991 involved a Cessna 180, registration N51612, operated by Walter L. Sitz, at Drewsey, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue the approach despite floating down the runway and subsequent collision with a stationary object during the go-around.
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