Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around Attempt on Crosswind Approach (N75540)

Lakeview, AR, US

On June 4, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N75540) operated by Metro Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeview, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a crosswind landing on a one-way runway initiated a go-around after wind gusts pushed the aircraft toward trees, resulting in a stall and terrain impact.

What happened

The incident occurred while the pilot was attempting to land on a 'one way' runway under crosswind conditions. During the final approach, the pilot reported that a gust of wind blew the aircraft toward bordering trees. In response to this deviation, the pilot decided to execute a go-around maneuver.

To initiate the climb, the pilot applied full throttle and raised the flaps from the full flap setting. Shortly after these control inputs were made, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane entered a stall condition and subsequently impacted the terrain, coming to rest in a nose-over attitude.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the go-around. Key factors included the crosswind environment, the pilot's decision to abort the landing due to proximity to obstacles, and the specific configuration changes made during the climb-out attempt.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jun 1988 Cessna 172 accident near Lakeview, AR?

A pilot attempting a crosswind landing on a one-way runway initiated a go-around after wind gusts pushed the aircraft toward trees, resulting in a stall and terrain impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jun 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N75540, operated by Metro Flying Club, at Lakeview, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26039. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.