This July 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Cherokee.
Location: Gardner, Mass.
Injuries: 3 Serious.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot stated that the approach to landing was too fast and she decided to perform a go-around. During the climb-out she lost control and the plane hit trees near the departure end of the runway.
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing.
