Accident Details
On May 6, 2020, about 1650 central daylight time, a Cessna T240 airplane, N25HE, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion after landing at the Roger M. Dreyer Memorial Airport (T20), Gonzales, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern for runway 33 and set the wing flaps to the takeoff (12°) position. The airspeed on final approach was about 130 knots and he extended the speed brakes to reduce speed. He did not use full landing flaps (40°) due to concerns about strong wind gusts. The airplane touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway at about 100 knots. The pilot believed the airplane would not be able to stop on the remaining runway and decided to execute a go-around. He added full engine power and left the flaps at the takeoff position. He did not recall retracting the speed brakes and noted the airplane seemed to get "no lift." The airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement and came to rest about 200 yards beyond the end of the runway in a field. The pilot commented that the go-around could have been initiated earlier. He stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions before the accident.
Postaccident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors conducted an examination of the airplane at the accident site. At that time, the cockpit speed brake switch was in the UP position. The speed brakes were in the down (retracted) position, consistent with the airplane electrical power being off. Recovery personnel confirmed damage to the right wing and engine mount.
Aircraft Manual Guidance
The airplane flight manual (AFM) noted that speed brakes can be used for glide path control on final approach and airspeed reduction. Both the normal and short field landing checklists specified setting the speed brake switch to UP (as desired) after touching down. The balked landing (go-around) checklist included retracting the speed brakes by setting the switch to DN. The amplified landing procedures did not include additional guidance related to speed brake use.
Speed Brake System
According to the airframe manufacturer, the speed brakes are electrically actuated by the cockpit switch. They do not retract automatically due to a go-around condition, pressing the go-around button, or throttle lever advancement. The flight manual systems description stated three conditions that automatically retract the speed brakes: if the circuit breaker is pulled, if they deploy asymmetrically, or due to a low voltage electrical condition.