Amateur-built Air-Cam N788RJ accident near Fort Morgan, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while performing a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was landing on a turf runway when a gust of wind rotated the airplane to the right; the pilot added power to perform a go-around. Multiple witnesses reported that the airplane pitched up to a relatively high angle of attack and then entered a steep right turn before it descended to the ground and cart-wheeled. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. The description from the witnesses and the damage to the airplane is consistent with an aerodynamic stall. The pilot’s lack of experience in both multiengine airplanes and in the accident make and model airplane likely contributed to his loss of control during the go-around procedure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FA320 for the full record.