Cessna 205 N8326Z accident near Red Creek, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly configure the flaps for an aborted landing, which resulted in degraded climb performance and impact with vegetation at the end of the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was landing in crosswind conditions at a 1,200-ft-long remote desert airstrip and performed a go-around after approaching the runway too high. The second approach was stabilized, and, after touching down, he applied the brakes; however, the airplane became airborne again. He applied full engine throttle and continued to fly the airplane in ground effect until reaching the end of the runway. He then pulled back on the control yoke to initiate a climb, but the airplane was unable to climb above the rising terrain and impacted vegetation about 500 ft beyond the runway threshold.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wing flaps were found extended to 40° following the accident. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to reduce the flap extension upon initiating the aborted landing, which resulted in degraded climb performance and impact with vegetation at the end of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20LA017 for the full record.