16) MESSED UP GO-AROUND, U-FIT

Cessna 172 | N739GV

July 4th, 2024 | Lockhaven, Pennsylvania

Accident Location

  • City: Lockhaven
  • State: Pennsylvania
  • Latitude: 41.1425
  • Longitude: -77.41778
  • Airport ID: KLHV

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N739GV
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 172
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Bitler, Maisie
  • Gender: Female
  • Pilot Age: 17
  • Pilot Hours: 27
  • Flight School: Yes
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Student Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: July 4th, 2024
  • Time: 10:10 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Go-Around
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA292
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 16) MESSED UP GO-AROUND, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the student pilot attempted a go-around following an un-stabilized approach to runway 09L, where she added full power about half way down the 3800 foot runway, but did not retract the flaps, and did not lower the nose. The torque and left turning tendency pulled the aircraft to the left towards trees where it became necessary to raise the nose further in order to not hit the trees. The aircraft did stall and impacted trees where it caught fire immediately upon impact. The flaps were found in the full extended position. There was more than ample flat unobstructed clear way for flight on runway heading.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft, and all flight instructors be conditioned in the surprise go go around scenario, and that both teach and rehearse the amount of push and sight picture required during this scenario. CFI’s should not allow any student to solo prior to their becoming extremely proficient in surprise go around from in the flare, fully trimmed for landing.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.