Go-around incident involving horizontal stabilizer damage

Casualties unknown • Pittsburg, OR, US

During a landing attempt, an aircraft struck brush at the end of a runway during a go-around, resulting in damage to the horizontal stabilizer.

What happened

The pilot initially flew over runway 12, which has a length of 1,050 feet, and observed that the windsock indicated calm winds. The approach for landing was conducted at 65 mph with full flaps extended. The aircraft touched down approximately 50 to 100 feet before the runway threshold. Realizing there was insufficient distance to stop, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the rotation, the aircraft contacted brush at the far end of the runway strip.

The investigation

An inspection of the right side horizontal stabilizer revealed that the aircraft had struck a hard object within the brush. This impact caused a circular indentation on the outboard leading edge. Additionally, skin wrinkles were observed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the stabilizer.

Probable cause

The pilot initiated a go-around after touching down too far down the runway, causing the aircraft to strike vegetation at the end of the strip.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-08-18 Cessna 180J accident near Pittsburg, OR?

During a landing attempt, an aircraft struck brush at the end of a runway during a go-around, resulting in damage to the horizontal stabilizer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-18 involved a Cessna 180J, registration N52096, at Pittsburg, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot initiated a go-around after touching down too far down the runway, causing the aircraft to strike vegetation at the end of the strip.

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