On October 5, 1987, a Cessna 177 (registration N3226T) operated by Daniel & Douglas Atkins was involved in an aviation accident near Verona, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper execution of a go-around maneuver, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control during the initial climb phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo student pilot sustained minor injuries when an aircraft crashed during a go-around maneuver following a missed landing approach.
What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) approach to land. During the final phase of the landing sequence, the pilot decided to abort the approach and initiate a go-around. To execute this maneuver, full engine power was applied, and the wing flaps were retracted to the fully up position.
Immediately after these controls were manipulated, the aircraft began to descend rapidly. The pilot attempted to correct the descent by initiating a turn to the left. However, the left wing dropped abruptly, causing the nose of the aircraft to pitch downward. A left-hand rotation commenced and continued unchecked until the aircraft struck the ground with significant force.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Despite the severity of the crash, the solo student pilot sustained only minor injuries.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper execution of a go-around maneuver, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control during the initial climb phase.