Cessna 150 N22393 accident near Port Orchard, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to go around from an unstable approach, which resulted in insufficient airplane performance to climb above rising terrain and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The airplane pilot was observed conducting a visual approach to land to the north. The final approach was described as unstable, high, and fast. The airplane continued to descend and when it was about ¼ of the way down the runway it disappeared from view behind a berm. A few seconds later, the airplane came back into view and was about 30 ft above ground level. The engine sounded as if it was at full power and the flaps were still extended. The airplane appeared to be flying slowly and struggling to climb, as if it was "hanging onto a stall." The airplane began a right bank toward rising terrain and trees. The airplane's bank angle increased, and the airplane impacted the trees in a "knife edge" attitude and dropped to the ground. A postaccident airframe and engine examination revealed no anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

A witness who is also a retired airline pilot reported that the airport has very tight margins and is a one-way airport. The north end of the runway is 50 feet higher than the south end; therefore, landings are limited to the north (uphill), and takeoffs to the south. Go-arounds are very difficult in all but high-performance aircraft. The airplane's mechanic reported that the pilot had flown this airplane into the airport about four times a year for the past 15 years and was familiar with the airport. It is likely that the pilot made a delayed decision to go-around following an unstable approach and the airplane subsequently lacked the performance necessary to climb and clear rising terrain. The airplane then aerodynamically stalled and spun as the pilot maneuvered the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20LA215 for the full record.