Cessna 170 N2601D accident near Dillingham, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent loss of directional control, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear trees during an attempted go-around.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing on a remote, unimproved airstrip, he overshot the touchdown point by about 150 ft. During the landing roll, the airplane veered right, and he decided to go around. During the takeoff climb, he pulled up because he realized that the airplane was not going to be able to clear trees, and the airplane aerodynamically stalled. The left wing dropped and struck trees, and the airplane spun 180° and impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the empennage, and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA316 for the full record.