N2423A

On June 21, 1995, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2423A, crashed during an attempted go-around at Riverside Airport, Utica, New York. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated at Oswego County Airport, New York, approximately 1630.

The pilot stated that as he approached the airport, he called the unicom frequency, but he does not recall if he was told what the wind was or which runway was the active one. He stated that he overflew the airport, and he did not see a windsock, so he decided to use runway 32 as he used runway 33 when he departed Oswego Airport about 50 miles away.

The pilot reported that he decided midfield to execute a go-around as he was unable to slow the aircraft for the landing. He stated that he realized he was landing with a tailwind. During the go-around he stated that he added full power, and attempted to retract 20 degrees of flaps, but the flap lever went to the full up (retracted) position. He stated that the aircraft began to sink and the trees were getting closer so he stalled the airplane. The airplane impacted trees and descended to the ground.

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction and the accident could have been prevented if he had "Better preparation of performance on a hot humid day."