Casualties unknown

Pilot Stalls Aircraft into Trees Following Aborted Landing in Turbulence (N4450R)

Crescent City, CA, US

On May 9, 1986, a Cessna 172M (registration N4450R) operated by Charles Hupp was involved in an aviation accident near Crescent City, CA. 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 pilot executed an emergency landing into trees after a go-around during a turbulent approach, following a long landing and failure to retract flaps.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported experiencing severe turbulence during the approach, which led to a decision to land long. After touching down, the pilot realized the airplane was too high and added full flaps. Shortly after touchdown, control of the airplane began to degrade, prompting the pilot to abort the landing and initiate a takeoff.

Sequence of Events

During the initial climb following the go-around, the airplane failed to accelerate and exhibited a slow rate of climb. Recognizing that a crash was imminent, the pilot elected to deliberately stall the airplane into trees. The pilot later noted that the flaps had not been retracted when the takeoff was initiated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 May 1986 Cessna 172M accident near Crescent City, CA?

A pilot executed an emergency landing into trees after a go-around during a turbulent approach, following a long landing and failure to retract flaps.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 May 1986 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N4450R, operated by Charles Hupp, at Crescent City, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.