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Casualties unknown

Light aircraft damage after left-wing strike during go-around attempt (N758AQ)

Los Alamos, NM, US

On August 7, 1984, a Cessna R172K (registration N758AQ) operated by Howard O Barnes was involved in an aviation accident near Los Alamos, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in the aircraft striking a fence post. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a landing on runway 27 with light crosswind conditions. After the aircraft skipped left upon touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around but lacked sufficient airspeed, resulting in a collision with a fence post while attempting to stop.

What happened

The pilot reported attempting a landing on runway 27 under wind conditions from 090 degrees at 8 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft skipped to the left. The pilot applied power to execute a go-around but determined that airspeed was insufficient for safe flight. Consequently, he attempted to stop the aircraft using the brakes instead. The aircraft continued to skip to the left until the left wing struck a fence post.

The investigation

No mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.

Findings

  • The aircraft skipped to the left upon touchdown.
  • Insufficient airspeed prevented a successful go-around.
  • The left wing struck a fence post during the aborted landing attempt.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in the aircraft striking a fence post.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 1984 Cessna R172K accident near Los Alamos, NM?

A pilot attempted a landing on runway 27 with light crosswind conditions. After the aircraft skipped left upon touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around but lacked sufficient airspeed, resulting in a collision with a fence post while attempting to stop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 1984 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N758AQ, operated by Howard O Barnes, at Los Alamos, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in the aircraft striking a fence post.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40677. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.