Beech B19 N281G accident near Whitesburg, Georgia

Probable cause

The student pilot did not retract the wing flaps during a go-around, which decreased the airplane’s climb performance and resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses observed the student pilot perform a go-around a few feet above the landing surface, about one-third of the way down the runway. They reported that the engine sounded normal; however, the airplane was not climbing and accelerating as expected. Several witnesses reported that the wing flaps remained extended during the go-around. The airplane collided with trees at the departure end of the runway and crashed into a cemetery. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure. Rotational damage to the propeller indicated that the engine was producing power at impact. Examination of the flap motor jack screw revealed that the flaps were extended about 30 degrees at impact. The Pilot's Operating Handbook procedures stated that the flaps must be raised during a balked landing (go-around).

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11FA462 for the full record.