Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around Attempt

Casualties unknown • Prescott, WI, US

An aircraft struck terrain after the pilot attempted a go-around due to floating in ground effect. The pilot banked left to avoid trees but could not clear the obstacle line, resulting in an accident.

What happened

The airplane impacted terrain after the pilot lost control during an attempted go-around. The pilot reported the airplane floated in ground effect so he decided to go-around. The pilot stated the airplane was unable to clear a line of trees off the south end of the runway. The pilot indicated he banked the airplane to the left, "but still felt [he] could not clear the north-south tree line to the east." The pilot reported he increased his rate of turn, and the airplane subsequently lost altitude and impacted terrain.

Findings

The primary factor was loss of control during a critical phase of flight. The decision to initiate a go-around after floating in ground effect contributed to the accident. The inability to clear the tree line despite banking left and increasing the turn rate indicates insufficient performance or situational awareness regarding obstacle clearance.

Safety message

Pilots should be cautious when executing go-arounds, especially after floating in ground effect. Ensuring adequate altitude and airspeed before attempting to clear obstacles is critical for safety.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during the attempted go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-05-15 Piper PA-18-135 accident near Prescott, WI?

An aircraft struck terrain after the pilot attempted a go-around due to floating in ground effect. The pilot banked left to avoid trees but could not clear the obstacle line, resulting in an accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-05-15 involved a Piper PA-18-135, registration N2581A, at Prescott, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of control during the attempted go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030519X00688. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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