On July 19, 1998, a Cessna 140 (registration N1689V) was involved in an aviation accident near Gansevoort, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a go-around after a late touchdown resulted in the aircraft striking trees during climbout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After touching down on the runway, the pilot decided to abort the landing and attempt a go-around. The aircraft subsequently struck trees during the climbout phase before being rescued.
What happened
The flight crew initiated a landing approach on the active runway. Upon touchdown, which occurred approximately two-thirds of the way down the available pavement, the pilot assessed the remaining distance and determined that stopping safely within the runway limits was not feasible. Consequently, the decision was made to reject the landing and initiate a go-around.
During the initial climbout phase following the rejected landing, the aircraft encountered a tree line. The airplane struck trees with a height of approximately 50 feet. The impact caused the aircraft to become entangled in the foliage. The plane remained suspended in the trees, hanging roughly 35 feet above the ground, supported primarily by its left main landing gear. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and lowered the aircraft to the ground.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a go-around after a late touchdown resulted in the aircraft striking trees during climbout.