Textron Aviation Inc T206H N460DC accident near Kneeland, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed decision to perform a go-around after an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a loss of control, runway overrun, and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was transporting a mechanic and parts to an airport on a plateau surrounded by rolling peaks and valleys. The pilot approached the runway from the southeast and performed a go-around. It is unknown if it was the pilot’s intention to complete an initial pass by overflying the runway. Flight data suggests that the pilot’s second approach was unstabilized as he overshot the runway centerline before realigning with the runway and then descending rapidly in a short distance to reach the runway threshold. Witness statements and ground signatures indicated that during this second pass the airplane touched down hard about midfield, bounced, and landed hard again towards the end of the runway. The tie-down ring separated and the airplane deviated to the left of the runway centerline. The left wing collided with some branches off the left side of the runway before the airplane rolled off the runway and impacted trees and then the ground about 700 ft from the departure end of the runway. A postacrash fire consumed the wreckage.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The flight track data, accident site signatures, and witness observations showed that the pilot attempted to touch down about halfway down the runway during a second pass and immediately lost directional control of the airplane. He then added power to perform a go-around about 150 ft from the end of the runway and never regained control. The pilot’s loss of control during the landing attempt and subsequent delayed decision to initiate a go-around resulted in a runway overrun and impact with trees and terrain.

The pilot’s flight logbook showed he had only recently started with the company and had logged about 88 hours of total flight experience in the airplane make and model at the time of the accident. While his records suggest he likely had limited experience flying into the accident airport, his relative experience flying into airports with similar topographical challenges could not be determined with the available evidence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24FA252 for the full record.