NTSB Factual Report

On July 7, 2011, about 1600 mountain daylight time, a Beech V35B, N1735W, collided with terrain at Oljato/Monument Valley, Utah. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage from impact forces. The personal cross-country flight departed Seligman, Arizona, about 1400, with a planned destination of Monument Valley Airport (UT25). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated that the airplane was on short final approach with the landing gear down. He noted that the airport was not suitable for landing. He was mistakenly attempting to land at an abandoned airport (Oljato 05UT) that was near his planned destination. He initiated a go-around; however, he felt that he did not get the power he needed as the airplane did not climb. It stalled about 5 feet above ground level, and collided with the terrain.

The landing gear collapsed, and the bottom of the airframe sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he had the mixture in the full rich position. He opined that the engine did not respond to the request for power as the mixture was too rich for the high density altitude (8,000 feet). He had taken a mountain flying course prior to starting his trip, but no one had mentioned keeping the mixture lean in case of a go-around.

The pilot operating handbook for the airplane discusses normal procedures. The Before Landing checklist instructs the pilot to land with the mixture in the rich position (or as required by field elevation).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to follow the airplane manufacturer’s mixture setting guidance while landing in high density altitude conditions.