Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed and proper glidepath resulting in the in-flight collision with trees short of the airport property.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After takeoff the tower controller advised the pilot that the nose landing gear was extended. The pilot cycled the landing gear but the nose landing gear remained partially extended. The flight returned for landing and while on final approach, the pilot performed a go-around. During the second approach the airspeed got slow and the pilot 'attempted to apply full power but it was too late' and the airplane collided with trees short of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 9, 1994, about 2032 eastern daylight time, a Beech A35, N620B, registered to James Epperson, collided with trees while returning to land shortly after takeoff from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 2015. After takeoff the ATC controller advised the pilot that the nose landing gear was not retracted. The pilot cycled the landing gear but the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot flew past the tower and the controller advised him that the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot requested a landing clearance which was granted and performed a go-around while on final approach. While on final approach again the pilot stated that he applied full throttle too late. The airplane collided with trees about 15 feet outside of the airport perimeter fence. -