On September 19, 1999, a Beech A36TC (registration N206WJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Franklinton, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent stall while attempting to clear trees during a go-around. Factors were the pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's distance and speed during the precautionary landing and the partial loss of engine power due to a perforated piston. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot reported cylinder overheating, vectored to a 3,000-foot runway. Witnesses observed airplane high/fast, nose-high attitude, engine sound changes. Loss of control while clearing trees. Post-accident exam found eroded piston hole and low propeller power.
Incident Summary
A pilot reported to air traffic control that a cylinder overheating problem necessitated a diversion to the nearest airport. Controllers vectored the aircraft to an airport with a 3,000-foot runway. A witness observed the airplane entering the traffic pattern "high and fast."
Sequence of Events
Witnesses saw the airplane flying over runway 31 with the landing gear extended at an altitude of 15 to 35 feet above ground level. The airplane then assumed a nose-high attitude, described by one witness as if the airplane was attempting to climb. Subsequently, witnesses heard the sound of the engine increase. One witness reported that the engine sounded as if it was flooded or bogged down. The pilot lost control of the airplane while attempting to clear trees at the departure end of the runway.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the landing gear revealed the gear was in the "in-transit" position, and the wing flaps were fully extended. Inspection of the engine disclosed a hole eroded through the side of the piston for the #2 cylinder. Both spark plugs for the #2 cylinder were filled with aluminum debris around their electrodes. Examination of the propeller indicated that it was being operated with low power at the time of impact.