PA-18 pilot reported a failed go around when the previous arrival unexpectedly took more time to exit the runway that resulted in a critical ground contact and a runway incursion.
Synopsis
PA-18 pilot reported a failed go around when the previous arrival unexpectedly took more time to exit the runway that resulted in a critical ground contact and a runway incursion.
Narrative
I departed ZZZ1 northbound towards ZZZ. I decided to do a full stop landing at ZZZ to use the restrooms. I noticed on ADSB that there was quite a bit of touch and go traffic in the pattern and they were landing on Runway XX. I elected to enter the pattern using the midfield crosswind crossing at 500ft AFE above traffic pattern. Aircraft Y was also entering the pattern the same way; I elected to follow him as my airspeed in the PA-18 was likely going to be slower than in his aircraft. I established an approximately 1NM in trail of Aircraft Y. I noticed while in the pattern that Aircraft Z had just landed and was now completely stopped on the nearest taxi way after the threshold after landing. This taxiway was a high speed turn off for the opposite runway; meaning it was over a 90* turn. I followed Aircraft Y for the remainder of the pattern and noticed him touch down on the runway while I was turning final. I watched Aircraft Y continue his taxi on the runway to the opposite high speed which was currently occupied by Aircraft Z and figured it would be close sequence wise. Eventually; Aircraft Z began to move and Aircraft Y began his turn onto the taxiway but since it was over 90* it took him some time to complete the turn. Just as I crossed the threshold Aircraft Y was just turning off the runway and I figured it would be too close for comfort if I continued to land. As a result I figured the safest course of action was to go-around. The mains kissed the runway briefly as I rounded out and transitioned to a go-around. After the go-around; I went through the pattern and landed uneventfully. It's my opinion the problem arose from a perception that both aircraft would clear the runway more quickly. In my professional aviation life; aircraft clear the runway in a more expedient fashion. I should have put more emphasis on the likely student pilot and private pilot pacing in this situation. Contributing to the improper perception of taxi speed was the opposite direction high speed that most general aviation aircraft are likely to see landing on this runway; further increasing taxi time off the runway.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.