N91711

On June 5, 1997, about 1930 eastern daylight time, a North American Navion, N91711, was destroyed when it collided with trees during a go-around at the Dogwood Airpark, Fredericksburg, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries. There was no flight plan for the personal flight that departed Orange, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that the engine was losing power during the final approach, and he elected to go-around. The pilot further reported that the engine continued to lose power during the go-around and collided with trees off the departure end of the runway.

Examination of the wreckage and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions. A report of the examination from the FAA Inspector stated that "the engine appears to have been running at time of impact." A fuel sample was taken from the previous refueling facility with negative results for contamination. The report also stated that "there was no apparent reason for the engine to quit. No fuel spill at [accident] site. Aircraft has a center fuel tank that was still intact." The fuel tank was observed to be about 3/4 full.