Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T210L near Boyd, TX — 2012-05-21

Final reportCEN12FA311
Sign in to save
Date
2012-05-21
Location
Boyd, TX, USA
Airport
0000
Aircraft
CESSNA T210L
Registration
N29112
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed initiation of a go-around and early retraction of the flaps during the maneuver, which resulted in a collision with trees.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported observing the airplane on what seemed to be a normal approach toward the 1,800-foot-long grass airstrip before the airplane was no longer visible behind treelines. A pilot-rated passenger stated that the wind was calm during the straight-in approach and that the airplane had not touched down by about midfield, at which time, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the climbout, the pilot retracted the flaps. The airplane subsequently collided with the top of a treeline located perpendicular to the departure end of the runway, rolled left, struck more trees, and then impacted the ground. A postimpact fire ensued. Visual meteorological conditions with light wind prevailed at the time of the accident. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preexisting anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. Estimated weight and balance calculations showed that the airplane was within limits for takeoff and landing. Airplane performance calculations indicated that the airplane should have had positive climb performance during the go-around; however, the pilot retracted the flaps when the airplane was about 900 feet down the runway, which left only 900 feet to clear the 30-foot-high treeline. Therefore, although the airplane had positive climb performance, the delayed go-around and early retraction of the flaps left the airplane in a position with insufficient distance to clear the treeline, which resulted in a collision with the trees.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained flaps during go-around to avoid tree collision.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

Related mishaps