NTSB Factual Report

On May 30, 2005, approximately 1515 central daylight time, a single-engine Beech A36 airplane, N2015A, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control while attempting a go-around after approach to Runway 27 at the Houston Southwest Airport (AXH), near Houston, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not file for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from AXH approximately 1300.

The pilot reported that prior to entering the traffic pattern, he received a report from the Unicom reporting that the winds were calm and they were favoring Runway 27. The pilot stated that he executed a normal approach to Runwat 27. He added that as he started to flare for the landing, the airplane began to drift to the left of centerline. He stated that he could not correct the drift with flight controls or by adding power. He then retracted the landing gear, added full power, and initiated a go-around, but the airplane "would not climb." The pilot recalled that the airplane continued to drift to the left, the left wing dipped, and hit the ground.

A pilot-rated witness reported that he observed the airplane on final approach in what appeared to be a normal approach to land. He then noticed that the airplane drifted from the centerline to the right, the left wing "dipped," and the "nose pitched up." He heard the engine accelerate and it appeared that the nose was "too high," and the airplane "stalled," The airplane then "winged-over" to the left of the runway, and impacted the ground.

Evidence at the accident site, as reported by an FAA inspector, revealed that the airplane had initially impacted the dirt on the left side of Runway 27, and then slid onto the south ramp area. Scrape marks on the left wing tip tank, a buckled left wing, and crushed nose section of the fuselage were noted.

At 1453, the automated weather station at AXH reported wind from 070 degrees at 13 knots, scattered clouds at 2,800 feet, broken clouds at 4,000 feet, and an overcast layer at 5,500 feet, temperature 28 degrees Celsius, dew point 22 degrees Celsius, and barometric pressure 29.75 inches of mercury. The remarks noted a wind shift at 1439.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall while attempting a go-around. A contributing factor was the quartering tailwind.