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Casualties unknown

Aircraft stalls and crashes into orchard during go-around (N9450B)

Chelan, WA, US

On August 26, 1983, a Cessna 175 (registration N9450B) was involved in an aviation accident near Chelan, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During an attempted go-around in crosswind conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, entering a stall that resulted in a crash into an adjacent apple orchard.

What happened

The aircraft was involved in an incident while attempting to execute a go-around maneuver. The pilot reported that strong crosswinds were affecting the approach. During the initial flare phase of the landing attempt, the pilot was unable to correct for the wind drift. Consequently, the decision was made to abort the landing and initiate a go-around.

During this climb-out, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline. In an effort to avoid obstacles identified as apple bins near the field boundary, the pilot attempted to maneuver away from them. This maneuver caused the aircraft to enter a stall. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft impacting and crashing into an adjacent apple orchard.

The investigation

Investigation details regarding mechanical examination or specific flight data recorder analysis were not provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 1983 Cessna 175 accident near Chelan, WA?

During an attempted go-around in crosswind conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, entering a stall that resulted in a crash into an adjacent apple orchard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 1983 involved a Cessna 175, registration N9450B, at Chelan, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44369. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.