Flight History
The pilot was conducting an instrument approach at the conclusion of a cross-country flight. About 0.5 mile from the intended runway, the airplane entered a shallow climb and left turn away from the runway heading. According to airspeeds calculated from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast position data, the airplane’s calibrated airspeed was 166 knots when it crossed over the final approach fix inbound, and about 84 knots when on a 0.5-mile final approach. The airplane continued decelerating to 74 knots while in the shallow climb and left turn. At no point during the approach did the pilot maintain the airframe manufacturer’s specified approach speed of 85 knots. The airplane impacted the ground in an open grass field to the left of the extended runway centerline, in a wings-level attitude, resulting in substantial damage.
Examination
Postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The altitude and airspeed trends during the final moments were consistent with the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall at low altitude. Based on the configuration at the accident site, the pilot likely was retracting the landing gear and flaps for a go-around when the stall occurred. The airplane was operating above the maximum landing weight and past the aft center-of-gravity limit at the time of the accident, which can render the airplane unstable and difficult to recover from an aerodynamic stall. Additionally, without timely corrective rudder input, the airplane tends to roll left after rapid application of thrust at airspeeds less than 70 knots, including during aerodynamic stalls. Although an increase in thrust is required for a go-around, the investigation was unable to determine how rapidly the pilot increased thrust, or if a torque-roll occurred during the stall.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause stated the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in a loss of control and an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude, and his decision to operate the airplane outside of the approved weight and balance envelope.