Summary
The pilot initiated a go-around after the airplane floated halfway down the runway during landing. During the go-around, the airplane failed to climb initially and one wheel touched down, causing the airplane to become unstable. Once climb began, the flight path veered over grass to the right of the runway, prompting the pilot to force the airplane down. The subsequent touchdown resulted in a collapsed nose gear and the airplane nosing over.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, during the landing the airplane floated half way down the runway, leading her to decide on a go-around. When power was applied, the airplane would not climb initially and one wheel touched the runway, which, in the pilot's words, "threw the airplane off kilter." The airplane then started to climb but the flight path was over the grass to the right of the runway. The pilot forced the airplane down in the grass ahead, where the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Postaccident Interview
During a postaccident interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that during the go-around she retracted the flaps to 20 degrees but forgot to remove the carburetor heat. She attributed this omission to her normal experience flying fuel-injected airplanes, where carburetor heat is not used. The pilot also reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather and Performance Data
At the time of the accident, an automated weather observing system at the accident airport reported wind variable at 6 knots, temperature 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius), and dew point 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius). The airport elevation was 6,268 feet above mean sea level (MSL), with a density altitude of 8,108 feet above MSL. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Koch Chart, an airplane would have experienced a 66% decrease to the normal rate of climb under those conditions.
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage, both wings, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage.