Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Touch-and-Go Practice Ends in Tree Strike at Morristown (N54576)

Morristown, NJ, US

On April 19, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N54576) operated by Teterboro Flight Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Morristown, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings at Morristown Municipal Airport experienced a wing strike during the go-around phase, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway and impacting trees.

What happened

The incident occurred at Morristown Municipal Airport while a student pilot was conducting flight training maneuvers. The primary objective of the flight was to practice touch-and-go landings. During the execution of the first maneuver in this sequence, the aircraft's right wing struck the ground or an obstacle during the takeoff roll. In response to this loss of lateral control, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to abort the landing and climb away from the runway environment.

However, the situation deteriorated rapidly during the climb-out phase. As the aircraft attempted to gain altitude, one of its wings collided with nearby trees situated along the departure path. The impact caused the aircraft to lose controlled flight, resulting in a crash landing off the left side of the runway. No further details regarding injuries or specific damage extent were provided in the source text.

The investigation

The available source material does not contain specific findings from a mechanical examination or detailed investigative analysis of the aircraft's condition prior to the event. The narrative is limited to the pilot's account of the sequence of events during the training exercise.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Apr 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Morristown, NJ?

A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings at Morristown Municipal Airport experienced a wing strike during the go-around phase, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway and impacting trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Apr 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N54576, operated by Teterboro Flight Academy, at Morristown, NJ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02528. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.