Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY, AND HIS DELAY IN ATTEMPTING A GO-AROUND WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TREES. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On Saturday, November 13, 1993, at 0915 eastern standard time, N7667F, a Piper PA-28-151, operated by South Jersey Flyers of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, and piloted by Donald Powell of Morristown, New Jersey, collided with trees during a go-around at Mountain Bay Airport, Greentown, Pennsylvania. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot and his passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91, and originated in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
According to the pilot, he circled the airport to observe the runway and landing conditions. He stated that his first attempt to land on runway 29 was unsuccessful due to turbulent and gusty conditions, so he executed a go-around. He said he attempted another approach which ended in another go-around. He stated that on his second go-around attempt the airplane collided with trees at the departure end of runway 29.
A witness who had flown into the airport stated that there was a quartering tailwind gusting to 25 knots and the winds were favoring runway 11 for landing. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO94LA007