Landing and Go-Around Attempt
As the pilot approached the agricultural application airstrip, he decided to land downwind to end his landing roll near the loading equipment. After touchdown, he became uncomfortable with the downwind landing and elected to perform a go-around. He applied power twice during the attempted go-around, but each time the engine coughed and sputtered and did not accelerate.
Engine Power Loss
The pilot then aborted the go-around and attempted to stop the aircraft in the remaining runway. According to the pilot, the engine had been working fine before the attempted go-around. In a post-accident telephone interview, he stated that he had failed to readjust the engine fuel mixture from its more-lean cruise setting prior to landing. He felt sure that if he had adjusted the mixture before landing, the engine would have accelerated when power was added for the go-around.
Nose Over Incident
As the aircraft was slowing, the tailwind lifted the aft end of the aircraft, causing it to nose over. The pilot reported that the tailwind was responsible for the upset after the go-around was abandoned.
Pilot's Comments
During the interview, the pilot reiterated that the engine had been functioning properly and that the failure to enrich the mixture was the likely reason for the engine's inability to accelerate during the go-around attempt.