Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Go-Around Ends in Collision with Ditch (N9880V)

Aurora, CO, US

On August 19, 1985, a Cessna 172 M (registration N9880V) was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, CO. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot executing a go-around due to runway misalignment raised flaps to full up inadvertently, lost focus, and settled into a ditch.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was attempting to land on Runway 14 when he decided to execute a go-around because the aircraft was not aligned with the runway. During the go-around, the pilot applied full power and raised the flaps. Due to the design of the flap switch, moving the switch to the up position caused the flaps to retract fully. The pilot stated that he diverted his attention from the flap raising process. Subsequently, the aircraft settled to the ground and collided with a ditch.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot initiated a go-around after determining that the aircraft was not properly aligned with Runway 14. To execute the go-around, he applied full engine power and moved the flap switch to the up position. However, the flap switch design resulted in the flaps moving directly to the full up position, rather than to an intermediate setting. The pilot reported that he became distracted and did not monitor the flap movement. This loss of focus allowed the aircraft to descend and contact the ground, ultimately striking a ditch.

Post-Incident Observations

The pilot's account highlights that the go-around procedure was interrupted by a diversion of attention. The aircraft's descent continued unchecked until it contacted terrain. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 1985 Cessna 172 M accident near Aurora, CO?

A student pilot executing a go-around due to runway misalignment raised flaps to full up inadvertently, lost focus, and settled into a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 1985 involved a Cessna 172 M, registration N9880V, at Aurora, CO.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.