Accident Overview
On 16 October 2016, around 13:11 UTC, a Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC (manufacturer: Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, serial number EA-517, built 1991) was involved in an accident at St. Johann Airport in Tirol, Austria (LOIJ). The flight originated from Manching Air Base (ETSI), Germany, and was piloted by the aircraft owner, a 59-year-old male German holder of a private pilot license (PPL(A)) with SEP (land) rating and valid medical certificate. Two passengers were on board. The planned route led via Munich Airport, Chiemsee, and Erpfendorf to St. Johann.
Flight Sequence
During the final approach, with landing gear and flaps extended, the pilot observed that the approach speed and altitude were too high for a safe landing. He decided to execute a go-around at low altitude—according to his own statement approximately 10 feet above ground—and advanced the manifold pressure lever fully forward. During this maneuver, the left wing dropped, and the aerodynamic stall warning sounded briefly. The aircraft continued parallel to the runway, slightly offset to the left, until it struck terrain at the end of the runway. The aircraft came to rest on a meadow about 100 meters beyond the departure end of Runway 31.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The propeller blades of the three-blade McCauley propeller were bent rearward, and the nose landing gear was collapsed. Minor crop damage occurred at the accident site. According to official records, no injuries were sustained by the pilot or the two passengers.
Aircraft and Operational Factors
The aircraft, a Beechcraft B36TC four/five-seat low-wing all-metal monoplane with a 10.2-meter wingspan, was powered by a Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-520-UB engine. Maintenance and airworthiness were current: the last 100-hour inspection was performed on 12 May 2016, and the annual inspection on 1 September 2016. Weight and balance calculations, performed electronically by the pilot prior to departure, showed the center of gravity within prescribed limits. Weather at the accident airport was visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. The pilot held valid licenses and ratings; no pre-existing medical or psychological impairments were noted. The required flight preparation, including a flight plan, was completed.
Probable Causes
The investigation determined two probable causes: the approach speed was too high, and the go-around was initiated too late. The report states that the delayed go-around resulted in insufficient stopping distance, causing the runway overrun.