On November 6, 1991, a Mooney 20F (registration N9326V) operated by Leo J Killen was involved in an aviation accident near Basye, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE TO THE RUNWAY. FACTORS WERE THE GUSTY WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S DELAY IN EXECUTING A GO AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a local flight from Manassas, Virginia, undershot runway 23 at Sky Bryce Airport during a second landing attempt, impacting the ground 300 feet short and sliding into a creek.
Accident Details
A pilot flying a local flight originating from Manassas, Virginia, elected to land at Sky Bryce Airport in Basye, Virginia. It was the pilot's first visit to the airport. After completing one landing on runway 23 without incident, the pilot remained in the traffic pattern for a second landing.
During the final approach, at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot realized the aircraft would undershoot the runway. Power was applied to execute a go-around. However, the aircraft impacted the ground about 300 feet short of the runway and slid to a stop in a creek.
Witness Report
A witness at the scene reported gusty wind conditions at the time of the accident.