Aircraft impact into garage following failed go-around

Casualties unknown • Holland, MI, US

An aircraft struck trees and a garage roof during a missed approach after experiencing turbulence during touchdown.

What happened

During the flare and touchdown phase near the runway, the aircraft encountered considerable turbulence. The airplane traveled down the runway for a significant distance without landing, at which point the pilot initiated a go-around.

As the aircraft passed the end of the runway, a passenger noted that the tail of the plane felt low and the aircraft appeared to be floating just above the treetops with a wiggling motion. The pilot reported that the airplane would not climb, and the aircraft was barely clearing the trees. During this maneuver, the left wing dipped, causing the aircraft to strike trees before impacting a garage roof.

Prior to the flight, the pilot had informed a passenger that he had never operated the aircraft with a passenger seated in the rear seat, which was the configuration used during this flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-26 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Holland, MI?

An aircraft struck trees and a garage roof during a missed approach after experiencing turbulence during touchdown.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-26 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3126Z, at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent impact with trees and then a residence. A related factor was turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07672. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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