On June 20, 2004, a Beech A23 (registration N1435L) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during climb and the pilot's failure to execute a go-around before completing the approach to land. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on runway 23, the pilot retracted flaps to improve braking after touching down with excessive airspeed. Realizing insufficient runway remained, he initiated a go-around, but the aircraft collided with trees beyond the runway end.
Incident Overview
The pilot conducted an approach to land on runway 23 with full flaps deployed. The airplane touched down just beyond the runway threshold. According to the pilot, the airspeed at landing was excessive.
Landing and Braking
To enhance braking effectiveness, the pilot retracted the flaps after touchdown. He then assessed the remaining runway distance and determined that it was insufficient to complete a full stop landing.
Go-Around Attempt
The pilot applied full power to execute a go-around. The airplane cleared the departure end of the runway with a slight climb, but subsequently collided with trees located on the departure end of the runway.
Post-Incident Report
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane during the flight. In the recommendation section of the pilot report, he stated: "the decision to go around should have been made earlier and flaps should have been re-lowered to assist in lift."