Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32RT near Palo Pinto, TX — 2012-08-07

Final reportCEN12LA529
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Date
2012-08-07
Location
Palo Pinto, TX, USA
Airport
TA65
Aircraft
PIPER PA32RT
Registration
N36103
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and a proper pitch attitude and airspeed while performing a go-around.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing a go-around when the airplane impacted trees off the east side of and about 1/3 of the distance down the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane did not attain a climb rate to clear the trees and that he flew the airplane at an airspeed close to stall. The pilot did not fly over the remaining runway, which would have provided obstacle clearance to a safe altitude. Also, flight near stall speed or a high pitch attitude provides a high drag condition, which results in reduced climb performance. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier upon seeing the truck.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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