Casualties unknown

2006-07-03: Piper PA28-181 (N6413C) — Tradewinds Aviation — Dorris, CA

Dorris, CA, US

On July 3, 2006, a Piper PA28-181 (registration N6413C) operated by Tradewinds Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dorris, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a stall/mush. A contributing factor was the high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around after a stall warning on final, the airplane continued descending, struck the ground west of the runway, spun 90 degrees, and stopped.

Incident Overview

The airplane was on a local flight of about 1 hour. Before departure, the pilot performed weight and balance and density altitude calculations. After circling over the airport, the pilot determined the winds to be calm. He entered the traffic pattern for runway 34 and extended 40 degrees of flaps. On final approach, the pilot noted a slight crosswind from the west and applied crosswind correction.

Final Approach and Stall Warning

On short final, the airplane was aligned with the runway at an indicated airspeed of 65 knots. As the airplane crossed the approach end of the runway, it rolled to the left and the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps to 25 degrees.

Go-Around and Descent

Despite the go-around input, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot released right rudder pressure and leveled the wings in an attempt to climb, but the airplane continued descending on a heading of 310 degrees. About 10 feet above ground level, the pilot pulled back on the yoke in an effort to slow the airplane.

Impact and Aftermath

The airplane touched down on the main landing gear in a field about 100 yards west of the runway. The left wing dug into the ground, and the airplane spun 90 degrees to the left before coming to a stop. The calculated density altitude was 6,313 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060728X01047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.