Amateur-built THORP T-18 N33TB accident near Lake Como, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to execute a go-around while landing with variable wind, which resulted in a runway overrun.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, as the airplane was landing the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind. He elected not to perform a go-around due to power lines and trees located at the end of the runway. The airplane departed the end of the runway and struck fence posts with both wings. The pilot stated that an earlier decision to go around would have prevented this accident. He further reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane. A review of recorded surface observations at airports within an approximate 50-mile radius of the airport revealed that the wind direction was variable from the west to the southeast. Some airports recorded thunderstorm and rain showers in their respective vicinity, indicating frontal passage in the area of the accident airport around the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA028 for the full record.