Casualties unknown

Go-Around Attempt Ends in Stall and Impact During Landing Approach (N5651Y)

Windham, CT, US

On April 22, 2007, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5651Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Windham, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around. 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

On final approach to runway 27, the airplane aborted landing, climbed steeply, turned left in a 50-degree bank, stalled, and impacted the ground. Engines were revving, flaps and gear fully extended. No preimpact mechanical anomalies found.

Event Description

The pilot/owner and a pilot-rated passenger were on final approach to runway 27 when the wind increased and became gusty. Witnesses observed the airplane abort its landing approach and enter a go-around attitude. The airplane climbed at an unusually steep angle, then turned left with a 50-degree bank. It stalled, rolled, and pitched nose-down until reaching a near-vertical attitude before impacting the ground.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the airplane's engines were revving throughout the entire sequence. Photographs taken by one witness showed that the flaps and landing gear were fully extended for the entire event.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airplane and its engines revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Pilot Information

The pilot had accumulated 3,848 hours of total flight experience. The passenger, who held a multiengine rating, reported 1,141 hours of total flight experience.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at the airport 8 minutes after the accident were from 190 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Prior to the weather report issued at the time of the accident, winds were calm or light and variable all day.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070504X00516. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.