FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Reports Ballooned Landing and Drift Into Trees During Go-Around (N52896)

Cincinnati, OH, US

On July 22, 1989, a Cessna 172P (registration N52896) operated by Schmidt Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Cincinnati, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER GO-AROUND PROCEDURE OF FULLY RETRACTING THE FLAPS WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE MUSHING INTO 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that after practicing touch-and-go landings for about 50 minutes, the airplane ballooned during a soft field landing flare. During the subsequent go-around, the airplane failed to climb and drifted left into trees, with flaps found retracted and carburetor heat on.

Incident Details

A student pilot reported that he had practiced touch-and-go landings for approximately 50 minutes. His final approach was for a practice soft field landing with full flaps extended to runway 24. When he flared to land, the airplane ballooned. He then initiated a go-around and retracted the flaps to 10 degrees. The airplane would not climb and drifted to the left, entering trees.

Post-Accident Observations

After the event, the flap selector was found in the retracted position, and the carburetor heat control was in the 'ON' position. No further information was provided regarding injuries, damage, or other circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1989 Cessna 172P accident near Cincinnati, OH?

A student pilot reported that after practicing touch-and-go landings for about 50 minutes, the airplane ballooned during a soft field landing flare. During the subsequent go-around, the airplane failed to climb and drifted left into trees, with flaps found retracted and carburetor heat on.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N52896, operated by Schmidt Aviation, at Cincinnati, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER GO-AROUND PROCEDURE OF FULLY RETRACTING THE FLAPS WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE MUSHING INTO TREES. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: A MISJUDGEMENT OF FLARE HEIGHT ABOVE THE RUNWAY AND FAILURE TO REMOVE THE CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE AVAILABILITY OF FULL POWER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28725. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.