Piper PA-28-180 N7756N accident near Hollister, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed go-around from an unstabilized approach that resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the runway, the airplane was high and fast, and he performed a slip to “get more on speed.” During the landing flare, the airplane floated significantly down the runway, and the pilot initiated a to go-around by applying full power. During the go-around, the airplanes wheels touched down about 2/3rds down the grass runway and the pilot increased back pressure, and the airplane became airborne, when he noticed that the airspeed indicated about 45 knots, and that the stall warning system light was mostly on with some intermittent flashes. The pilot stated that he thought they did not have the airspeed to fly out of ground effect and decided to abort the go around by reducing the engine power to idle after the airplane had cleared an obstacle. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and flew another few hundred feet before it impacted a dirt mound and nosed over. The pilot added that throughout the entire accident sequence, he had 40° flaps selected. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 05 with wind from 250° at 11 knots.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA275 for the full record.