Accident Details
A Piper PA-24 pilot reported entering the traffic pattern for landing on runway 3. The pilot stated that he did not see or hear any other traffic in the pattern. Just before touchdown, he observed a Piper J-3 on the runway, traveling in the opposite direction.
Sequence of Events
The PA-24 pilot executed a right climbing go-around. After initiating the go-around, he saw a tower in his flight path and made an immediate left turn. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground near midfield.
Investigation Findings
The PA-24 pilot initially claimed that the J-3 was back-taxiing for takeoff. However, the investigation revealed that the J-3 was actually on its landing rollout from runway 22 when first observed by the PA-24 pilot. The J-3 pilot did not see the PA-24 until after the go-around was performed. The J-3, a high-wing airplane, was not radio equipped.