On July 15, 1996, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5026K) was involved in an aviation accident near Belle Plaine, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of the distance and speed during the landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the tall grass and ravine at the end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported shortening the downwind leg for landing on runway 35, leading to a high final approach and float. During go-around, the landing gear struck tall grass and a ravine at the departure end of the runway.
Narrative
According to the pilot's report, the approach to landing on runway 35 began with a normal downwind leg. However, the pilot observed a two- to three-story house located "just off the end of the runway." This prompted the pilot to shorten the downwind leg, which resulted in a "fairly high initial final approach." The pilot executed a slip to the runway to correct the approach path; however, because of excessive airspeed built up during the maneuver, the aircraft continued to float. Unable to land, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around and applied full power. During the go-around, the landing gear made contact with tall grass at the departure end of the runway, followed by a ravine.
No further details were provided regarding the aircraft, location, or outcome of the event.
