On August 9, 1983, a Cessna 172P (registration N52456) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate judgment during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in the right wing tip colliding with a tree on a terrain rise. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing a simulated forced landing collided with a tree during a go-around maneuver, resulting in minor wing tip damage before safely landing.
What happened
During a pre-solo flight training session, the flight instructor directed the student pilot to execute a simulated forced landing approach toward a nearby road. The student initiated the descent and approached the designated area as instructed. However, while performing the go-around maneuver to abort the landing, the aircraft's right wing tip struck a tree located on a rise in the terrain.
Despite the collision, the aircraft remained airborne and controllable. The flight continued without further incident, and the pilot successfully completed the flight by landing safely at the intended destination. No injuries were reported among the occupants.
Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate judgment during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in the right wing tip colliding with a tree on a terrain rise.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Aug 1983 Cessna 172P accident near Albuquerque, NM?
A student pilot practicing a simulated forced landing collided with a tree during a go-around maneuver, resulting in minor wing tip damage before safely landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1983 Cessna 172P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Aug 1983 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N52456, at Albuquerque, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's inadequate judgment during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in the right wing tip colliding with a tree on a terrain rise.
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