Cirrus Design Corp SR20 N1108T accident near Key Largo, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper go-around technique, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was attempting to land on a 4,451-ft-long, 70-ft-wide asphalt runway. A right 60° quartering crosswind prevailed at 10 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot reported that he selected full flap extension (100%) and turned onto the final leg of the airport traffic pattern at 600 ft. Just above touchdown, while in the landing flare, the airplane drifted to the left due to a wind gust. He announced and initiated a go-around and gained altitude. The propeller and landing gear then struck the top of a tree and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently came to rest on a golf course adjacent to the runway.

Data downloaded from the airplane’s remote data module, and a postaccident examination of the wreckage, did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Review of airport security video revealed the airplane in about a 45° left crab to the runway, at very low altitude, with flaps fully retracted, as it entered an aerodynamic stall to the left and impacted terrain. The airplane’s flight manual indicated that the flaps should be set at 50% extension for a go-around procedure. Based on this information, the pilot’s full retraction of the flaps during the attempted go-around resulted in a loss of lift, sink, and aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA126 for the full record.