Accident Overview
The accident occurred during an attempted go-around at night under visual meteorological conditions. The pilot had informed the tower of being 11 miles south of the airport and inbound for landing on the north runway. The flight was cleared to land on runway 26R. The pilot then announced a go-around, and the tower cleared the flight to make right traffic for the same runway. At approximately 2116, the pilot confirmed the clearance, which was the last transmission received from the flight.
Witness Accounts
According to the sheriff's report, all witnesses stated they observed a low-flying aircraft disappear behind woods before hearing a loud crash and seeing a brief explosion.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane was destroyed on impact with trees and terrain. A post-impact fire ensued. Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The flaps were found extended to 25 degrees. An excerpt from the airplane information manual described the balked landing procedure: set power to full throttle and 2400 RPM, retract wing flaps to 20°, climb at 55 KIAS, then slowly retract flaps after reaching a safe altitude and 70 KIAS, and open cowl flaps.
Radar Data
Plotted radar track data showed that the airplane was climbing after its approach. At 2115:47, the airplane was at 550 feet MSL near the end of runway 26R. The highest recorded altitude during the climb was 1050 feet MSL at 2116:33, about one mile west of the runway. The next return, at 2116:38, showed the airplane at 950 feet MSL. The accident site was located approximately one-tenth of a mile north of the last return.
Pilot Background
The pilot's instructor informed management at the flight school that the pilot had met all standards for the practical test and passed his Part 141 graduation ride. However, the instructor expressed concern about the pilot's complacent attitude toward flying and his safety post check ride.