PANOCHE, CA, USA
N65922
CESSNA 172P
The pilot reported that he was high and fast during the approach to the ranch airstrip. He said the aircraft was still 100 feet above the ground and about halfway down the 2,700 foot long dirt airstrip when he initiated a go-around toward the hills immediately off the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that the aircraft encountered a down draft and was only climbing at about 200 feet per minute. The aircraft could not outclimb the rising terrain and the pilot said he intentionally stalled the aircraft into the trees about one-half mile beyond the airstrip.
On November 27, 1993, at 1645 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172P, N65922, collided with trees during an attempted go-around from a private ranch airstrip near Panoche, California. The aircraft was rented from Squadron Two Flying Club, Inc., of San Jose, California, for the personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries; however, his three passengers were not injured. The flight originated at the San Jose International Airport on the day of the mishap at 1545 hours as a planned flight to the Bum Ranch near Panoche. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he was high and fast during the approach to the ranch airstrip. He said the aircraft was still 100 feet above the ground and about halfway down the 2,700 foot long dirt airstrip when he initiated a go- around toward the hills immediately off the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that the aircraft encountered a down draft and was only climbing at about 200 feet per minute. The aircraft could not out climb the rising terrain and the pilot said he intentionally stalled the aircraft into the trees about one-half mile beyond the airstrip.
the pilot's improper approach speed and glide path, and his delayed initiation of a go-around. A factor in the accident was the wind shear condition created by the hills immediately off the departure end of the dirt airstrip.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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