Accident Description
A single-engine airplane carrying the pilot and four passengers, including one infant, was maneuvering from left base to final approach at its intended destination airport. The landing runway was 09, and the wind was from 020 degrees at 9 miles per hour. During the turn, witnesses observed the airplane fly through the final approach course. The pilot then increased the angle of bank to realign the aircraft with the runway. Subsequently, the nose of the airplane rose slightly, followed by an increased roll rate to the left while the airplane descended. An increase in propeller speed was heard just prior to the increased left roll. The airplane struck the ground, slid across a ramp, and collided with two parked airplanes.
Aircraft Information
The operator's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) specifies that the recommended final approach speed is 80 miles per hour (mph) and the published stall speed for that configuration is 64 mph. Additionally, the POH lists the stall speed for a 40-degree bank angle as 76 mph and for a 60-degree bank angle as 93 mph. These performance figures are relevant to the flight conditions at the time of the accident.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground reported that the airplane initially overshot the final approach course. As it attempted to realign, the bank angle increased. They noted the nose of the aircraft rising momentarily, after which the airplane began a rapid left roll and descent. The sound of an increase in engine power—specifically an increase in propeller speed—was heard just before the pronounced left roll. The airplane then impacted the ground, skidded across an apron area, and struck two stationary aircraft.