Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Parked Car and Hangar During Go-Around Attempt (N172HW)

Huntington Bch, CA, US

On May 24, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N172HW) was involved in an aviation accident near Huntington Bch, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an attempted go-around, the pilot lost control after a bounced landing, striking a parked car and hangar. The pilot claimed a passenger took over controls, but the passenger, a CFI, denied that.

Incident Overview

A aircraft collided with a parked car and a hangar after the pilot lost control during an attempted go-around. The pilot reported that the aircraft was high and fast on final approach. He selected full flaps and a nose-up attitude to reduce airspeed and altitude. The pilot stated that he flared the aircraft at 20 feet above ground level (AGL), at which point his passenger allegedly took over the controls to assist in landing.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft then settled onto the runway and bounced 20 feet back into the air. The pilot applied full power and lowered the nose to gain airspeed in an attempt to clear a building located 600 feet ahead. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a parked car next to the building before contacting the hangar.

Pilot and Passenger Accounts

The right front seat passenger, who is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), denied touching the controls during the incident.

Relevant Procedures

The aircraft operator's manual specifies that during a balked landing, the pilot should reduce flaps to 20 degrees immediately after applying full power.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 May 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Huntington Bch, CA?

During an attempted go-around, the pilot lost control after a bounced landing, striking a parked car and hangar. The pilot claimed a passenger took over controls, but the passenger, a CFI, denied that.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 May 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N172HW, at Huntington Bch, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33607. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.