Aircraft strikes trees during aborted landing

Casualties unknown • Hawley, MN, US

An aircraft struck trees and subsequently entered a small pond following an unsuccessful attempt to execute a go-around.

What happened

During an aborted landing, the pilot of the aircraft lost directional control before becoming airborne once again. Upon touching down a second time, the aircraft was positioned at approximately a 30-degree angle to the runway, with a heading of 310 and facing the runway marker.

In an attempt to climb, the pilot applied full power to the throttle; however, this rapid application caused the engine to sputter. While the pilot managed to lift the aircraft enough to avoid hitting the runway marker, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude.

As the aircraft moved over terrain that was sloping downward due to a side hill, it approached trees located on a neighboring property north of the airstrip. The pilot determined that a hard left bank to avoid the trees would likely cause the left wing to strike the ground. Consequently, the pilot executed a shallow left bank to avoid a direct fuselage impact with tree limbs. During this maneuver, the right wing struck a tree, causing the aircraft to fall approximately 30 to 40 feet into a small pond/swamp.

No injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to bank left to avoid trees, combined with insufficient altitude gain following an engine sputter during a go-around, led to the right wing striking trees and the aircraft crashing into a swamp.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-11-05 Bellanca 7GCBC accident near Hawley, MN?

An aircraft struck trees and subsequently entered a small pond following an unsuccessful attempt to execute a go-around.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-11-05 involved a Bellanca 7GCBC, registration N256J, operated by Same AS Pilot, at Hawley, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to bank left to avoid trees, combined with insufficient altitude gain following an engine sputter during a go-around, led to the right wing striking trees and the aircraft crashing into a swamp.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020107X00043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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