Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Go-Around Ends with Nose-Over After Fence Strike (N52331)

Kernville, CA, US

On July 28, 1987, a Cessna 172P (registration N52331) operated by Channel Island Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kernville, 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 a solo instructional flight, a student pilot attempting a landing in gusty crosswind conditions initiated a go-around after drifting left, but the landing gear caught a barb wire fence, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot on a solo instructional flight was attempting a landing in crosswind conditions. The wind was reported as a 6- to 10-knot crosswind. On final approach, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and the power off. As the aircraft crossed the threshold at approximately 10 feet above ground level and entered the flare, a gust of wind raised the right wing, causing the aircraft to drift to the left side of the runway.

Pilot Actions

The student pilot responded by adding full power and retracting the flaps to execute a go-around. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear contacted a barb wire fence. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and collided with the terrain.

Outcome

The accident resulted in the aircraft nosing over after striking the fence. The source does not specify injuries, damage details, or the aircraft type or registration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 1987 Cessna 172P accident near Kernville, CA?

During a solo instructional flight, a student pilot attempting a landing in gusty crosswind conditions initiated a go-around after drifting left, but the landing gear caught a barb wire fence, causing the aircraft to nose over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 1987 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N52331, operated by Channel Island Aviation, at Kernville, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31572. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.