Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around After Ground Effect Flotation (N2581A)

Prescott, WI, US

On May 15, 2003, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N2581A) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot delaying the go-around and the maneuver to avoid the treeline. Factors to the accident were the treeline and the airplane's low altitude. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control during a go-around after the airplane floated in ground effect, leading to impact with terrain near a tree line.

Narrative

The airplane impacted terrain after the pilot lost control during an attempted go-around. According to the pilot, the airplane floated in ground effect during the landing approach, prompting the decision to go around. The pilot stated that the airplane was unable to clear a line of trees off the south end of the runway. He reported banking the airplane to the left, but still felt unable to clear the north-south tree line to the east. The pilot then increased the rate of turn, and the airplane subsequently lost altitude and impacted the ground.

Sequence of Events

The attempted go-around followed a landing approach during which the airplane floated in ground effect. The pilot initiated the go-around to avoid obstacles, specifically a tree line at the south end of the runway. After banking left, the pilot perceived an inability to clear a second tree line oriented north-south to the east. Increasing the turn rate led to a loss of altitude, culminating in the airplane striking the terrain.

Pilot Report

The pilot's account indicates that the go-around was initiated due to the airplane's extended flotation in ground effect. The pilot noted difficulty in clearing tree lines and attempted to adjust the flight path with increased banking. The loss of control and subsequent impact occurred during this maneuver.

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.