Accident Overview
The airplane was destroyed by impact damage and fire when it contacted the terrain following a loss of control during a go-around on runway 21. The wind at the time of the accident was from 150 degrees at 9 knots.
Witness Accounts
One witness reported seeing the airplane drifting to the right during the landing. The pilot initiated a go-around, and the airplane maintained an altitude of 10-20 feet above the ground for a brief period. It then gained altitude and entered a shallow bank to a heading of about 240 degrees. The airplane continued to climb to an altitude of no more than 200 feet, then entered a 40-60 degree right bank to a heading of about 020 degrees. The witness reported that the airplane began a descent and started to lose altitude rapidly, with no attempt to level the wings or stop the descent.
Another witness stated that the engine sounded normal and that the airplane was in a near 90-degree bank prior to impacting the ground.
A third witness reported seeing the airplane about 100 feet above the ground. The airplane continued down the runway, then made a right turn near the intersection of runway 31. The turn continued until the airplane paralleled the south side of runway 31. It continued to parallel the runway until it reached the end, at which time it made another right turn and descended into the terrain. The witness noted that all the turns appeared coordinated. He did not see the flaps extended, nor did he notice any major aileron deflections.
Wreckage Examination
The cockpit area was destroyed by fire. Control cables from the elevator and rudder remained attached to the cockpit flight controls. The control cables to the wings were separated, with the areas of separation exhibiting broom straw signatures. Continuity of the cables was established from the fractured ends outboard to the flight control attachments and inboard to the cockpit flight controls.
Two of the three propeller blades were bent back and twisted. The engine received fire and heat damage. Continuity was established throughout the engine, and compression was achieved on all cylinders.