NTSB Factual Report

On July 14, 2001, about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28-140, N38390, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during a go-around at a private airport in Schuyler, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The airplane was on approach to runway 10, an asphalt runway, that was about 2,400 feet long, and 30 feet wide.

The pilot was interviewed by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector on the date of the accident. The pilot reported he experienced a "wind gust" while on final approach, which pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot maneuvered the airplane back toward the runway, and then attempted a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane impacted trees that were located about 300 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The pilot added that he experienced "no mechanical problems."

A witness stated the airplane was approximately one-third of the way down the runway, when it appeared a "side draft hit the plane and pushed it over the grass area." The pilot maneuvered the airplane back over the runway. The witness then heard the engine power increase and observed the airplane bank to the right. He further stated that the airplane seemed to "float level" into the trees.

Examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions. The inspector noted that the terrain sloped upward toward the trees located at the end of the runway. The pilot reported he was unfamiliar with the airport, and did not realized the ground sloped upward until he was closer to the trees.

Winds reported at an airport about 16 miles west of the accident site, at 1056, were from 290 degrees at 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed go-around, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor in this accident was the crosswind conditions.