Casualties unknown

Private Pilot and Instructor Strike Telephone Line, Trees, and Terrain During Go-Around After Windshear Encounter (N758AN)

Blanco, TX, US

On July 9, 1989, a Cessna 172K (registration N758AN) operated by Duggan, Charles M. was involved in an aviation accident near Blanco, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISIONS BY NOT IDENTIFYING THE WIND DIRECTION ALONG WITH THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TAILWIND, WIRES AND TREES. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N758AN
Aircraft registered N758AN. Photo: Andrew Thomas from Shrewsbury, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While practicing landings on Runway 30, a private pilot and a commercial instructor encountered a windshear of minus 15 knots during a go-around, causing the aircraft to strike a telephone line, trees, and terrain. No weather systems were associated with the event.

Incident Overview

A private pilot and a commercial rated instructor pilot were engaged in landing practice when the aircraft struck a telephone line, trees, and then the terrain. The event occurred during a go-around maneuver following a landing attempt.

Sequence of Events

According to the instructor, the pilots had just completed a go-around after a landing attempt. During the go-around, they encountered a windshear of minus 15 knots. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a telephone line, trees, and then the terrain.

The pilots were practicing landings on Runway 30 at the time of the incident.

Weather Conditions

The reported prevailing winds in the area were from the south. Sequences from weather reporting stations in the vicinity indicated no weather systems that would likely cause vertical windshear.

Conclusion

The aircraft struck a telephone line, trees, and terrain after encountering a windshear of minus 15 knots during a go-around. No further information was provided regarding the cause of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28841. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.