Beech V35B N1735W accident near Oljato, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to follow the airplane manufacturer’s mixture setting guidance while landing in high density altitude conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was on short final approach with the landing gear down when he noted that he was mistakenly attempting to land at an abandoned airport that was not suitable for landing but was near his planned destination. He initiated a go-around; however, the airplane did not climb and subsequently stalled about 5 feet above ground level and collided with the terrain. The pilot stated that he had the mixture in the full rich position. He stated his belief that the engine did not respond to the request for power as the mixture was too rich for the high density altitude (8,000 feet). The manufacturer’s guidance advises pilots to set the mixture control to the full rich position, or as required by field elevation. If the mixture had been appropriately set for the high density altitude conditions, the engine likely would have had adequate power for a successful go-around.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA315 for the full record.