CESSNA T210L — Boyd, TX

What happened

A witness reported observing the airplane on what seemed to be a normal approach toward the 1,800-foot-long grass airstrip before the airplane was no longer visible behind treelines. A pilot-rated passenger stated that the wind was calm during the straight-in approach and that the airplane had not touched down by about midfield, at which time, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the climbout, the pilot retracted the flaps. The airplane subsequently collided with the top of a treeline located perpendicular to the departure end of the runway, rolled left, struck more trees, and then impacted the ground. A postimpact fire ensued.

Visual meteorological conditions with light wind prevailed at the time of the accident. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preexisting anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. Estimated weight and balance calculations showed that the airplane was within limits for takeoff and landing.

Airplane performance calculations indicated that the airplane should have had positive climb performance during the go-around; however, the pilot retracted the flaps when the airplane was about 900 feet down the runway, which left only 900 feet to clear the 30-foot-high treeline. Therefore, although the airplane had positive climb performance, the delayed go-around and early retraction of the flaps left the airplane in a position with insufficient distance to clear the treeline, which resulted in a collision with the trees.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.