What happened
While approaching the airport for a straight-in landing on runway 33, the pilot encountered traffic operating in the opposite direction on runway 15. At the time of the incident, another aircraft was departing the field, leading to a close-proximity crossing of the two planes. Although the departing aircraft adjusted its path to the right to maintain separation, the accident aircraft remained on its original final approach course. Both aircraft were communicating via the common traffic advisory frequency and were following standard see-and-avoid procedures.
As the aircraft proceeded down runway 33, witnesses observed the pilot increase engine power in an attempt to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a left-hand turn with a nose-high pitch. The aircraft failed to climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. The investigation noted that the pilot's decision to approach with opposing traffic and a tailwind likely contributed to an increased workload during this critical phase of flight.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a left bank with a high pitch attitude, leading to a loss of altitude.
- The pilot likely failed to maintain sufficient airspeed during the go-around maneuver.
- The aircraft exceeded its critical angle of attack, causing the stall.
- The presence of opposing traffic and a tailwind during the approach may have increased the pilot's operational workload.