Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a go-around after encountering a gust of wind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 12, 1998, at 1100 hours mountain standard time, a Beech A23-24, N6092N, collided with terrain on landing at the Holbrook, Arizona, airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot/owner and passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured. The personal flight originated at the Double Eagle, New Mexico, airport at 0915, and was en route to the Banning, California, airport, with a stop in Holbrook. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported that he was landing on runway 21 and encountered a strong wind gust that turned the aircraft about 15 degrees to the right. He applied power and attempted a go-around, but could not gain altitude or maintain runway direction. The aircraft collided with terrain and continued to slide forward. All three landing gear separated from the aircraft and both wing tips were torn off. The propeller struck the ground and the aircraft came to rest in an upright position approximately 120 degrees from the runway heading. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident.
The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 210 degrees at a velocity of 18 knots gusting to 23 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX98LA155