Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go- around. Contributing factors were the pilot's delayed remedial action in initiating the go-around and his improper use of the carburetor heat during the attempted initial climb.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he overflew the airport, observed the windsock, and noted that a crosswind condition existed. On final approach to the 4,050-foot-long runway, the airplane was at various times flying 'slow' and 'fast.' the pilot also reported that the airplane 'floated and floated,' and it was still 30 feet in the air at midfield. He initiated a go-around, applied full engine power, and left on the carburetor heat. By the time the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, it had climbed to 50 feet above ground level. The pilot initiated a slight right turn to avoid rising terrain. The airplane stalled and pancaked onto the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 4, 1994, at 1322 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, N94509, operated by Pacific States Aviation, Inc., Concord, California, collided with terrain during an attempted go-around at the Gravelly Valley (uncontrolled) Airport, Upper Lake, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot received minor injuries. The passenger was seriously injured. The flight originated from Concord, California, on June 4, 1994, at 1205. The pilot verbally reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that while overflying the airport he observed the windsock, noted that a crosswind condition existed, and entered the traffic pattern. On final approach to runway 01, the airplane was at various times flying "slow" or was "high and fast." The pilot stated that during his landing flare the airplane "floated and floated." By the time the airplane was approaching midfield, it was still about 30 feet in the air, so he decided to go around. The pilot further reported that he added full engine power and retracted the flaps to the 20 degrees setting. The carburetor heat was left in the "on" position. As the airplane approached the end of the runway, it had climbed to approximately 50 feet above the ground, and a slight right turn was begun to avoid the rising terrain. The stall warning horn sounded, the airplane stalled, and it pancaked onto the ground. The ELT activated. Information published in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) "Airport/Facility Directory" indicated the Gravelly Valley Airport's elevation was 1,900 feet mean sea level. Runway 01/19 was 4,050 feet long by 200 feet wide. -