Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted go-around and the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that when he attempted to land on runway 36, he 'had to much speed,' and ran out of runway. He attempted a go-around but turned to steep, causing the wingtip to hit the ground The pilot reported the 'wind got on top wing pushing down wing tip hit causing a ground loop.' The pilot reported that he had flown .3 hours within the last 90 days.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 7, 1997, at 1310 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-17, N4594H, sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost control of the aircraft during landing. The private pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed from a private airstrip, and was attempting to land on the grass runway 36 at Cadillac Airport, Cadillac, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that when he attempted to land on runway 36, he "had to much speed," and ran out of runway. He attempted a go-around but turned to steep, causing the wingtip to hit the ground. The pilot reported the "wind got on top wing pushing down wing tip hit causing a ground loop." The pilot reported that he had flown .3 hours within the last 90 days. -