N7312Y

On May 8, 1998, about 1008 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-30, N7312Y, collided with wires, trees, and the ground during an attempted go around at the Hendersonville Airport, Hendersonville, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the owner/pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. There were minor injuries to the private pilot and his pilot rated passenger, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated in Florida, at an undetermined time, followed by a stop at Augusta, Georgia at 0930, prior to proceeding to the destination, Hendersonville.

The pilot reported he landed beyond the first third of the 3,075 foot runway 14, which was NOTAMed because of a rough surface during the first 200 feet of the runway. He stated he had landed at the airport previously and was familiar with the runway condition. He stated the brakes seemed ineffective, and a go around was initiated. The pilot stated he applied full power, raised flaps, and lifted off just before the end of the runway. He stated he then made a left bank to avoid trees and houses ahead. During the left bank, the left wing clipped a power line, hit small trees, and came to rest upright in a field. The pilot reported no problems with the engines.

The FAA inspector stated that the airplane came to rest approximately 1/4 mile due east of the airport. The landing gear was found in the extended position. The FAA inspector stated that in this airplane, a normal go-around is accomplished by adding full power, raising the flaps, and raising the landing gear. The FAA inspector stated the pilot had received his multiengine rating on May 1, 1998, and had approximately 24 hours of flight time in the airplane. According to the FAA inspector, he examined the brakes and noted the right main wheel was severed off the strut. The left wheel was still intact. The brake pads were intact and showed ample pad available. When the cockpit brake peddle was pushed, the pad operated at the left wheel. According to the FAA, the pilot stated he touched down 1/3 of the way down the runway and decided to go around 1/2 way down the runway because the brakes were not stopping the airplane. The pilot stated he pulled the airplane into the air to avoid the end of the runway, and the airspeed was minimal. The pilot stated he did not have time to raise the gear. According to the FAA, the pilot stated the elevation, temperature, and short field contributed to the crash.

A witness reported that his attention was drawn to the airplane when he heard the tires skidding several times. He looked out and noticed the airplane near the end of the runway. He heard the engine power increase with approximately 500-600 feet remaining, and the airplane rotated with about 75 feet remaining in the runway. The airplane passed very low over the road at the end of the runway. As trees beyond the runway were approached, the pilot turned left, clipped a wire with the left wing, then collided with the ground. The witness also stated the flap position was not noted, but the landing gear remained down.

Another witness stated he heard tires skidding at the airport.

The Air Traffic Controllers both stated that they terminated radar service with N7312Y 12 miles south of Hendersonville Airport. At that time, they gave the pilot a VFR transponder code, 1200, and approved a frequency change.

The landing distance over a 50 foot obstacle, using a normal approach, with the weather conditions at the time of the accident is 2040 feet. Without an obstacle, the airplane can land in 690 feet.