NTSB Factual Report

On February 25, 2007, about 0955 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N2213Z, registered to and operated by a private individual, collided with the ground during a go-around at the Venice Municipal Airport, Venice, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight from Venice Municipal Airport. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight originated about 0940, from Venice Municipal Airport.

The student pilot stated that he performed 4 landings with his certified flight instructor (CFI) on-board, then made 2 solo full-stop taxi-back landings. After takeoff the flight remained in the traffic pattern for a final full-stop landing but the wind was "very strong", and performed a go-around. He remained in the traffic pattern, and performed another go-around, then departed the traffic pattern. He flew 4-5 miles away from the airport, returned and entered the downwind leg, then turned onto base and final for runway 13. The wind seemed to "pick up" and the airplane was blown to the left of the runway centerline, and he performed a go-around by applying full power. The engine responded but when the flight was at 50 feet, the "wind seemed to take over." The airplane began losing altitude and impacted the ground in a left wing low attitude. He further reported the "engine was fine" and there were no problems with the flight controls.

A METAR taken at the airport at 0941, which was approximately 1 minute after the accident flight departed, or approximately 14 minutes before the accident, indicates the wind was from 160 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the student pilot to maintain airspeed during a go-around.