Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain proper runway alignment during a go-around, resulting in a collision with trees beside the runway. The crosswind was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a touch-and-go landing on runway 36, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced back in the air. The pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the aircraft drifted to the right of the runway and collided with trees. The wind was reported to be from 310 degrees at 9 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 18, 1996, about 1300 eastern standard time, a Christen A-1, N2923B, registered to a private person, collided with trees during a go-around at Opa-Locka West Airport, Miami, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Miami, Florida, the same day, about 1200. The pilot stated he had departed Opa-Locka Airport about 1 hour before the accident and had flown to the Opa-Locka West Airport. He had performed about 15 touch-and-go landings. On the last landing the aircraft touched down hard and bounced into the air. He added engine power to initiate a go-around. The engine hesitated momentarily before gaining full power. The aircraft drifted to the right and collided with trees, where it came to rest. -