Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Stall During Go-Around on Short Final Approach (N47ER)

Leesburg, FL, US

On July 19, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N47ER) operated by Francis, Leonard P. was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AS HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND. 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

A pilot reported that while on short final approach with flaps at 20 degrees, the rate of descent increased. After raising flaps to 10 degrees and attempting a go-around, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a right-wing-low attitude. Wind at a nearby station was from 200 degrees at 10 knots.

Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing approach, while on short final with 20 degrees of flaps extended, the aircraft's rate of descent increased. The pilot responded by retracting the flaps to 10 degrees and initiating a go-around. However, the aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted the ground in a right-wing-low attitude.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the aircraft encountered strong gusts on landing and became uncontrollable. The pilot also stated that the aircraft stalled after the go-around was attempted.

Wind Conditions

Wind data recorded at 1148 EDT from a station approximately 30 miles southeast in Orlando, Florida, indicated wind from 200 degrees at 10 knots. This information is provided as a reference for conditions in the vicinity at that time.

Sequence of Events

The sequence described by the pilot began with the aircraft on short final approach with 20 degrees of flaps. An increase in descent rate prompted the pilot to reduce flaps to 10 degrees and attempt a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a right-wing-low attitude. The pilot additionally noted strong gusts during the landing phase.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Leesburg, FL?

A pilot reported that while on short final approach with flaps at 20 degrees, the rate of descent increased. After raising flaps to 10 degrees and attempting a go-around, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a right-wing-low attitude. Wind at a nearby station was from 200 degrees at 10 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N47ER, operated by Francis, Leonard P., at Leesburg, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AS HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28905. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.