No fatalities

Go-Around Attempt After Ballooned Landing Leads to Stall and Vegetation Impact

Tavernier, FL, United States

On July 4, 2019, a DIAMOND DA40 NG was involved in an aviation accident near Tavernier, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed decision to go around in high-temperature and high-density altitude conditions and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1785761257Data APIEditorial standards

During a grass runway landing, the pilot ballooned, floated to midfield, then initiated a go-around. Reduced climb performance due to high temperature and diesel engine delay caused left wing stall and impact with vegetation.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during the landing on a 2,175 ft grass runway, the airplane ballooned. He pushed the nose down, but the airplane floated and touched down about midfield. He briefly touched the brakes, then decided to go around. He raised the flaps to the takeoff position and added full power.

Climb Performance Issues

According to the pilot, "the delay of power in the diesel and high temperature did not allow for enough climb performance." The left wing aerodynamically stalled and the airplane impacted vegetation.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable, temperature was 32°C (90°F), and density altitude was 2,000 ft.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Capability exceededPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation