Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing/go-around, which led to subsequent in-flight collision with a fixed object (approach light/light bar/sign) and terrain. The student's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that she landed on the first 1/3 of the runway. She applied brakes with negative results, then initiated a go-around. During the go-around, an in-flight collision with a runway light and terrain occurred. Examination of the crash site by the FAA revealed the pilot landed long, added power in an attempt to make a touch-and-go, but lost directional control; the airplane collided with a light bar/sign and terrain. Examination of the brake system revealed no evidence of a precrash, mechanical failure or malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 13, 1997, about 1347 eastern daylight time, a Diamond Aircraft DA-20, N124MF, operated by Pelican Airways, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, crashed during a go- around at North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The student pilot reported no injuries and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida, on a local flight about 50 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated she landed in the first section of the runway 18R. Brakes were applied, however; they did not work. She initiated a go-around, maneuvered the airplane to the left towards runway 9, collided with runway light bars and the terrain. According to the FAA, the student pilot landed long, added power in an attempt to make touch-and-go, lost control, and collided with a light bar, sign, and terrain. Examination of the brake system by Pelican Airways revealed the brake system "was found to be fully operational and totally effective." -