Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper recovery from an aerodynamic stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The purpose of the flight was to conduct practice instrument approaches at the departure airport before continuing to a nearby airport. The pilot reported that the glideslope for the practice approach appeared steeper than expected. During the approach, the pilot slowed the airplane, but became too slow, and attempted to accelerate to a normal approach airspeed. He noticed a gain in altitude and decided to abort the approach and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane pitched up and entered an aerodynamic stall. Due to the proximity to the ground, the pilot “pulled up” on the controls. The airplane then banked left, descended, and impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.