Cirrus Design Corporation SR22 N214BN accident near Crystal, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during a go-around. Factors associated with the accident were the dark night lighting conditions, moderate to heavy rain, and fatigue.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported having the runway in sight during the night landing. The tower controller reported that it appeared the airplane touched down on the runway after which time they closed and departed the tower. A witness, who was exiting a building on the south side of the airport when the accident occurred,reported that he heard the airplane and that the engine was very loud. He then heard the engine power increase as if the pilot was performing a “go-around.” He stated that he heard the impact and looked toward runway 14L where he saw the airplane engulfed in flames. The witness stated there was “moderate to heavy” rain at the time of the accident. Another witness reported that the airplane turned onto its right side and stalled. The airplane was destroyed by impact and a post impact fire. Inspection of the airplane and engine failed to reveal any pre-impact failure/malfunction. The pilot began the cross country flight about 10 hours and 30 minutes prior to the accident, and had flown about 7 hours and 17 minutes during that time.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09FA363 for the full record.