Accident Details
On July 4, 2019, at approximately 1355 central daylight time, a Beechcraft B23 airplane, registration N7618R, was substantially damaged following an accident at Mitchell's Airport (3MS5), near Vaiden, Mississippi. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while two passengers incurred minor injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, after a sightseeing flight, he conducted a visual pattern to 3MS5 and configured the airplane with flaps fully extended. He stated that the airspeed was excessive during the final approach, causing the airplane to float approximately halfway down the 2,500-foot turf runway. Initiating a go-around, the pilot perceived that the engine responded normally and produced power. However, with flaps still fully down, he noticed insufficient climb rate to clear trees at the departure end of the runway.
Stall and Impact
The pilot pulled back on the yoke to avoid the trees and subsequently recognized that the airplane was in an aerodynamic stall. He reduced back pressure to lower the pitch attitude. The airplane then impacted rising terrain about 330 feet beyond the departure end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the pilot's estimate of passenger weights, the airplane was near its maximum gross weight during the approach.