ATL93FA136

The pilot stated that he attempted to execute a landing at the private grass airfield. He stated that, after touchdown, the aircraft began to porpoise and he executed a go-around. The aircraft crashed into terrain approximately 1/4 mile from the departure end of the runway. A witness stated that he observed the aircraft during the attempted landing and go-around. He stated that the aircraft approach was so high and steep, that he thought the aircraft was going to make a low pass and circle to land. The witness stated that he observed the aircraft land on the last 1/3 of the grass runway, saw the tires skid on the grass momentarily, and then the engine sounded as if it went to full power and the aircraft became airborne. He stated the nose then rose slightly, the aircraft banked to the left, and impacted the terrain in a nose down attitude.

History of flight

On July 28, 1993, at about 0952 central daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N13738 was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a go around attempt at Epps Airpark in Harvest, Alabama. The private pilot and one of the passengers received serious injuries, and the other passenger received minor injuries, in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and an instrument flight plan had been filed for the flight. The flight departed Huntsville, Alabama at about 0930.

The pilot reported that he attempted to land at the private sod airfield. The aircraft began to porpoise, and he attempted a go around. He stated that he thought he partially raised the flaps, but the aircraft did not seem to climb. He did not observe any problems with the aircraft engine.

A witness stated that he observed the aircraft attempt a landing at the airfield. He stated that the aircraft appeared to be high on the approach, and he wondered if the pilot was just going to survey the runway and return to land. The aircraft continued the approach and did not touch down on the 2600 foot runway until only about one third of the runway remained. He stated that he observed the aircraft tires skid momentarily, and then heard the engine go to high power. The aircraft lifted back off the runway and appeared to be just hanging on the propeller. He observed the nose make a slight pitch up, and then immediately the nose fell and the aircraft rotated left into the terrain.

Personnel information

Mr. Patterson is a private pilot with approximately 343 hours of flight time recorded in his log book.

Additional pilot information may be obtained in this report on page 3.

Aircraft information

Aircraft information may be obtained in this report on page 2.

Meteorological information

Meteorological information may be obtained in this report on page 4.

Wreckage and impact information

The aircraft wreckage was located in a cotton field approximately 1/4 mile off the end of Runway 19. The magnetic bearing from the departure end of Runway 19 to the aircraft wreckage was approximately 135 degrees.

The left wing tip was crushed from front to rear. The engine cowling and nose of the aircraft were broken off and twisted toward the left side of the aircraft.

The propeller showed signs of chordwise scratching and twisting toward low pitch.

Additional information

The aircraft wreckage was released to Sergeant F. D. Elswood of the Madison County, Alabama Sheriff's Office on July 29, 1993.