Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during a go-around. Factors were the gusty wind and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he had just bought the airplane and was returning to his home in California. He planned to stop at Dell City for fuel. While attempting to land on runway 26, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind and the pilot decided to go around. During the go-around, the airplane impacted a power line that paralleled the left side of the runway and located approximately 800 feet from the centerline of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 14, 1996, at 0900 mountain daylight time, an Explorer Post 51 AA Cubette, N7891, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following impact with a power pole near Dell City, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Carlsbad, New Mexico, approximately 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported that he had just bought the airplane and was returning to his home in California. The pilot planned to stop at Dell City Municipal Airport in Dell City, Texas, for fuel. While attempting to land on runway 26, a gust of wind struck the aircraft, and the pilot decided to go-around. During the go-around, the airplane impacted a power line that paralleled the left side of the runway and sustained structural damage to the fuselage and the wings. The power line is located approximately 800 feet from the centerline of the runway. -