Casualties unknown

2001-06-16: Cessna A185F (N4805) — Ash Fork, AZ

Ash Fork, AZ, US

On June 16, 2001, a Cessna A185F (registration N4805) was involved in an aviation accident near Ash Fork, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around with insufficient remaining runway distance, which resulted in an overrun and impact with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a go-around on a short private airstrip encountered insufficient remaining runway after a bounce, leading to an overrun and tree impact.

What happened

The pilot was operating a privately owned aircraft when approaching a short, 1,185-foot-long private airstrip. Upon final approach, the pilot noted that the wind conditions were light and variable. The airplane touched down slightly beyond the desired point, resulting in a bounce upon impact with the runway surface.

Following the bounce, the pilot encountered a slight tailwind component. Recognizing the compromised situation, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to attempt another landing or escape the ground effect. However, due to the limited length of the remaining runway and the aerodynamic demands of the maneuver, it became evident that there was insufficient distance to safely complete the climb-out.

Consequently, the pilot aborted the go-around effort. The aircraft continued forward, overrunning the end of the runway. Upon exiting the paved surface, the airplane impacted nearby trees.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around with insufficient remaining runway distance, which resulted in an overrun and impact with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010622X01244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.