On March 27, 1981, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N66856) operated by Galena Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Galena, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled collision with ground during a go-around due to powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors: pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed, pilot-in-command misused flaps, possible magneto failure on the right engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Galena Airport, the pilot initiated a go-around with flaps full down. The twin-engine airplane climbed slightly, entered a steep left turn, and crashed near the runway threshold, killing all four occupants.
Accident Details
A twin-engine airplane was on final approach to Galena Airport when the pilot decided to initiate a go-around. At the time, the flaps were set to full down. The aircraft began a slight climb before entering a steep left turn and subsequently crashing near the runway threshold.
Occupants and Fatalities
All four occupants of the airplane were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled collision with the ground during a go-around due to a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported include:
- The pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed.
- The pilot-in-command misused flaps.
- Possible magneto failure on the right engine.