Amateur-built SR 2500 N135DS accident near Sonoma, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he experienced a bounced landing and initiated a go-around. He noted that the go-around was conducted in conditions that reduced the airplane's performance margin as he was operating at a low altitude, low airspeed, and a high gross weight.

During the go-around, the airplane encountered shifting wind conditions and drifted left of the runway centerline. As the pilot attempted to correct the drift while establishing a climb, he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack and entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA213 for the full record.