Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting takeoff and landing practice at Clow Airport experienced a loss of control during a go-around, resulting in a crash. The flight had originated from Chicago Midway Airport.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the student pilot flew from Chicago Midway to Clow Airport for training. While on the downwind leg, the wind pushed the aircraft toward the airport, causing it to be too close to the runway. The student subsequently overshot the turn to final approach and continued the approach by angling back toward the runway.
Upon landing, the aircraft was still angled to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The student steered it back onto the runway and initiated a go-around. At approximately 75 feet above ground level, the aircraft began turning left, then stalled, entered a steep descent, and crashed.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the flaps and flap selector were in the down position. The student pilot reported believing she had retracted the flaps before the go-around. The wind at the time was variable from 290 to 310 degrees at 13 to 21 knots.