Accident Overview
A student pilot was practicing short-field landings on runway 17, a 4,200-foot asphalt runway, when he overshot his intended landing area. At about 65 knots indicated airspeed and 25 feet above ground level (AGL), he initiated a go-around. The pilot reported pulling back on the yoke, but the airplane did not climb and instead descended to the right side of the runway. The airplane touched down in the safety area to the right of the runway and nosed over.
Pilot Actions
During the go-around, the pilot applied mixture rich, full throttle, and carburetor heat cold, but left the electric flaps fully extended. He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any part of the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the airplane inverted with the flaps extended.
Weather and Density Altitude
The meteorological aerodrome report at the accident airport near the time of the accident indicated a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a dew point of 37 degrees Fahrenheit, wind from 170 degrees true at 7 knots varying between 140 and 200 degrees true, and an altimeter setting of 30.10. The field elevation was 4,858 feet, and the density altitude was 7,850 feet. According to the FAA Pamphlet 8740-2 on density altitude, reduced air density adversely affects aerodynamic performance and engine horsepower output, increasing takeoff distance, reducing rate of climb, and increasing true airspeed (TAS) for the same indicated airspeed (IAS) on approach and landing. The Koch Chart, which depicts the relationship between airport temperature (90 degrees) and airport pressure altitude (4,693 feet), indicates a 64 percent decrease in climb rate.
Manufacturer's Procedure
The airplane manufacturer's pilot operating handbook prescribed the following balked landing procedure: (1) Throttle – Full Open, (2) Carburetor Heat – Cold, (3) Wing Flaps - 20 Degrees (Immediately), (4) Climb Speed – 55 Knots, (5) Wing Flaps 10 Degrees (Until obstacles are cleared), Retract (after reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS). The pilot initiated the balked landing procedure at 25 feet AGL.