Accident Overview
A business flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91 was destroyed following a collision with a utility pole, trees, and terrain after a go-around at Thomson-McDuffie Regional Airport (HQU) in Thomson, Georgia. The airline transport-rated pilot and copilot sustained serious injuries, while five passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to the Pavilion Group LLC and operated by the pilot.
Flight History
The flight originated from John C. Tune Airport (JWN) in Nashville, Tennessee, approximately 1828 central standard time (1928 eastern standard time) with the purpose of transporting staff members of a vascular surgery practice to Thomson, where the aircraft was based. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. According to air traffic control information, the pilot checked in with Augusta approach control and reported HQU in sight. About 2003, the pilot cancelled visual flight rules flight-following services and continued toward the airport. The last recorded radar return was observed about 2005, indicating the airplane at an altitude of 700 feet above mean sea level and half a mile from the airport. No distress calls were received from the crew.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to be positioned for landing when the pilot discontinued the approach and initiated a go-around. The airplane continued down the runway at a low altitude before striking a poured-concrete utility pole and braided wires approximately 59 feet above ground level. The pole, located about a quarter-mile east of the departure end of runway 10, was not lighted. During the initial impact, the outboard section of the left wing was severed. The airplane continued another quarter-mile east before colliding with trees and terrain.
Wreckage and Site Examination
A postcrash fire ensued, consuming a majority of the airframe. The engines separated from the fuselage during the impact sequence. On-scene examination revealed that all primary airframe structural components were accounted for at the accident site. The landing gear were found in the down (extended) position, and the flap handle was found in the 10-degree (go-around) position. An initial inspection of the airport indicated that the pilot-controlled runway lights were operational, but an airport security camera showed they were set to low intensity at the time of the accident. The airport did not have a control tower. Inspection of the runway surface revealed no unusual tire marks or debris. Weather conditions near the time of the accident included calm wind and clear skies.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings stated: "The pilot's failure to follow airplane flight manual procedures for an antiskid failure in flight and his failure to immediately retract the lift dump after he elected to attempt a go-around on the runway. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of systems knowledge and his fatigue due to acute sleep loss and his ineffective use of time between flights to obtain sleep."