The pilot of the Cessna 172 entered the traffic pattern at a residential airpark in Davis, W.Va. He was concerned about the houses located near the runway, so he approached the 3,000-foot runway higher and faster than he normally would.
As a result, the airplane touched down near the runway mid-point.
When he realized that he was running out of runway to stop the airplane, he attempted to go-around.
During the subsequent climb, he heard the stall warning sound. He decreased the pitch attitude to gain airspeed.
The airplane collided with trees beyond the departure end of the runway, then crashed, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot and his two passengers.
The pilot reported that his decision to abort the landing was “about five seconds too late.”
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s improper glidepath as he approached the runway and his subsequent delayed decision to abort the landing.
NTSB Identification: ERA13CA218
This April 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
