CESSNA T207A near Monument Valley, UT — 2011-05-23

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around after a bounced landing at an airport where go-arounds were not advised and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around.

NTSB narrative

According to the airplane's operator, the airplane was part of a flight of four airplanes that were taking an organized tour group of revenue passengers on a sightseeing tour of southern Utah. While operating in a high density altitude environment, the pilot was flying into an airport that had a 1,000-foot cliff about 400 feet from the end of the runway he was landing on. Because of the presence of the cliff, the Airguide Publications Airport Manual stated that all landings should be made on the runway that was headed toward the cliff and that all takeoffs should be made on the runway that was headed away from the cliff. The manual also stated that a go-around during landing was not possible. During his approach, the pilot encountered a variable wind and downdrafts. During the landing flare, the airplane dropped onto the runway hard and bounced back into the air. The pilot then immediately initiated a go-around and began a turn away from the runway heading. While in the turn, he was most likely unable to maintain sufficient airspeed, and the airplane entered a stall/mush condition and descended into the ground. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Controlled flight into terrain

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted landing earlier instead of attempting go-around.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 21 docket documents

Docket documents21

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• FAA Inspector Statementinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Witness Statementinterview
• Witness/Passenger Statement - Mullinterview
• Airport Diagramother
• Google Earth Map of Accident Areaother
• Record of Conversation - Other Group Pilotsother
• Image 1. Photo taken at the approach end of Runway 16 looking south along the runway.photos
• Image 10. Photo of all three propeller blades and the propeller spinner.photos
• Image 11. Close-up photo of two of the propeller blades.photos
• Image 12. Close-up photo of the third propeller blade.photos
• Image 2. Photo taken about half way down Runway 16 looking south toward the cliff located just south of the end of the runway.photos
• Image 3. Photo taken from the initial impact point looking down-track toward the primary wreckage.photos
• Image 4. Photo taken from the front end of the airplane showing the top of both wings and the top of the fuselage.photos
• Image 5. Photo taken from aft end of the airplane showing the empennage section, the fuselage belly, and the bottom of both wings.photos
• Image 6. Photo showing the left side of the airplane, including the left wing.photos
• Image 7. Photo showing the right side of the airplane, including the right wing and the top of the empennage section.photos
• Image 8. Photo showing the majority of the instrument panel.photos
• Image 9. Photo taken of the aft end of the engine and engine compartment.photos

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