What happened
The pilot was conducting a final approach to land on runway 36, which consisted of a 2,200-foot by 150-foot dry grass surface. As the aircraft neared the airport, another airplane located on the ground experienced an engine failure. This second aircraft had come to a stop along the eastern edge of the airstrip, positioned approximately 1,200 feet from the approach end of the runway.
In response to the obstruction, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. However, the pilot did not apply full power during this initial phase of the escape attempt. The aircraft subsequently stalled, causing the left wing to drop significantly. Although the pilot later reported adding full power, it was too late to recover altitude or control. The airplane impacted the terrain off the western side of the airstrip.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the go-around. Examination of the pilot's actions revealed that insufficient power was applied initially when attempting to climb away from the runway environment. This lack of thrust contributed directly to the aerodynamic stall and the subsequent drop of the left wing.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the stall during the missed approach. The pilot's failure to apply full power immediately upon initiating the go-around prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient lift to clear the runway area. The proximity of the disabled aircraft on the ground created a hazardous situation that required an immediate and aggressive climb, which was not executed correctly.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that full power is applied without delay when initiating a go-around, especially in confined or obstructed environments. A partial power application during a critical phase of flight can lead to a stall if the aircraft cannot maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude.