Amateur-built Challenger II N4340D accident near Lumberton, Mississippi

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around procedure for unknown reasons.

NTSB analysis

A witness observed the non-certificated pilot attempt to land the experimental amateur-built airplane two to three times, but each time as the airplane approached the engine power increased as the plane circled around for another attempt. On the last landing attempt and go-around, the witness did not hear the same engine power increase. He saw the left main landing gear strike a tree top, and the airplane banked to the left, diving into the trees. The airplane was found inverted in a wooded area, with the propeller splintered down to the hub. The wreckage was partially consumed by a postcrash fire. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine, though control continuity could not be established. No aircraft maintenance records, current registration, or pilot logs were found. A relative reported that the pilot had been involved in an incident in the airplane 2 months prior to the accident, after which he had replaced the climb performance three-blade composite propeller with a cruise performance two-blade wooden propeller.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA536 for the full record.