Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Collides with Pole During Go-Around Practice (N5577T)

Placerville, CA, US

On November 11, 1987, a Cessna 172E (registration N5577T) operated by Underwood, James M. was involved in an aviation accident near Placerville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision with a pole. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot practicing takeoffs and landings collided with a pole after drifting left during a go-around attempt following a bounced landing.

What happened

During a telephone interview, the student pilot reported that he was conducting practice sessions for takeoffs and landings. On the landing approach immediately preceding the accident, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon touchdown. In response to this event, the student pilot initiated a go-around maneuver.

During the climb-out phase of the go-around attempt, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. The pilot lost control of the lateral position, resulting in a collision with a pole located near the runway environment. No mechanical issues were reported prior to the accident sequence.

Findings

Weather conditions at the time included winds from 320 degrees at 3 knots. The primary factor in the accident was the loss of directional control during the go-around maneuver, leading to the collision with the stationary object.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision with a pole.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Nov 1987 Cessna 172E accident near Placerville, CA?

A student pilot practicing takeoffs and landings collided with a pole after drifting left during a go-around attempt following a bounced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Nov 1987 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N5577T, operated by Underwood, James M., at Placerville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision with a pole.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32553. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.