On March 10, 1985, a Cessna 172-N-II (registration N52920) was involved in an aviation accident near Markham, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to retract the flaps during a go-around from an inadvertent downwind approach, which prevented the heavily loaded aircraft from accelerating and climbing, leading to a collision with a wire fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A heavily loaded crop duster failed to climb during a go-around from an inadvertent downwind approach because the pilot did not retract the flaps, leading to a collision with a wire fence and nose gear collapse.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was executing a go-around maneuver following an inadvertent downwind approach to a crop duster strip. The pilot had failed to retract the flaps after initiating the climb. Because the aircraft was heavily laden, it lacked the necessary performance to accelerate and gain altitude with the flaps extended.
The investigation
During the escape attempt, the pilot elected to fly under powerlines located at the end of the runway. However, the aircraft's inability to climb resulted in a collision with a wire fence. Following ground contact, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nosed over.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to retract the flaps during a go-around from an inadvertent downwind approach, which prevented the heavily loaded aircraft from accelerating and climbing, leading to a collision with a wire fence.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Mar 1985 Cessna 172-N-II accident near Markham, TX?
A heavily loaded crop duster failed to climb during a go-around from an inadvertent downwind approach because the pilot did not retract the flaps, leading to a collision with a wire fence and nose gear collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Mar 1985 involved a Cessna 172-N-II, registration N52920, at Markham, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to retract the flaps during a go-around from an inadvertent downwind approach, which prevented the heavily loaded aircraft from accelerating and climbing, leading to a collision with a wire fence.
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