On June 5, 1996, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N9875L) operated by Richard V. Brewster was involved in an aviation accident near Coquille, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate evaluation of wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to initiate a go-around in a timely manner, which resulted in his inability to maintain clearance with trees during the go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot initiated go-around after observing tailwind but was unable to climb, resulting in collision with trees beyond the departure end of the runway.
Accident Summary
A pilot landing an airplane at an airport with a 1,700-foot-long runway decided to go around after noticing a tailwind on approach. During the go-around, the airplane struck trees beyond the departure end of the runway at an elevation approximately 520 feet above the airport elevation.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that while on approach, he checked the wind sock and observed a tailwind. He decided to execute a go-around but stated, "was unable to climb out in time to clear trees." The pilot believed he had waited too long to initiate the go-around and indicated that mechanical malfunction or failure was not involved in the accident.
Environmental Factors
The runway length was 1,700 feet. The pilot noted the presence of a tailwind on approach, which influenced his decision to go around. The accident site was located in trees beyond the departure end of the runway.