Event Summary
A pilot reported that during an approach to land with full flaps, he decided to perform a go-around and applied full power. The airplane began turning left, and he applied right rudder. The airplane was described as "low and slow" and unable to gain altitude. It continued to drift left and subsequently landed hard in an adjacent field left of the runway.
Pilot Actions and Observations
The pilot further reported that during the go-around, he did not adjust the flap setting to the takeoff setting. He added that he did not remember if the stall warning horn was sounding, but believed the airplane aerodynamically stalled before impact. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported wind from 040° at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that about 5 minutes before the accident, wind was from 050° at 12 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 23°C (73°F), dew point 7°C (45°F), and altimeter 29.98" Hg. Airport field elevation was 2412 ft. The pilot was departing on runway 32.
Manufacturer Guidance
The pilot operating handbook checklist titled "Balked Landing/Go-Around" stated in part: 1. Autopilot – DISENGAGE 2. Power Lever – FULL FORWARD 3. Flaps – 50% 4. Airspeed – 75-80 KIAS After clear of obstacles: 1. Flaps – UP
The manufacturer published a performance chart titled "Balked Landing Rate of Climb." The calculated rate of climb with full flaps during a balked landing was about 1,168 feet per minute.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.