Pilot Aborts Landing After Late Decision, Strikes Trees at Residential Airpark

Overview

A cross-country flight concluded with a pilot entering the traffic pattern at a residential airpark. The runway was 3,000 feet long and 40 feet wide. Concerned by houses near the runway, the pilot approached higher and faster than was customary.

Landing and Abort

The airplane touched down near the runway midpoint. Realizing that insufficient distance remained to stop, the pilot aborted the landing. During the subsequent climb, the stall warning sounded. The pilot decreased the pitch attitude to gain airspeed.

Impact

The airplane then struck trees beyond the departure end of the runway and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also noted that the decision to abort the landing was “about 5 seconds too late.”