On August 5, 1989, a Cessna R172K (registration N758QB) operated by Freedom Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Griswold, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATED AIRSPEED FOR AN ABORTED LANDING (GO-AROUND), WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. 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.
A personal flight from Hartford-Brainard Airport to Lakeside experienced a hard landing. During a go-around, the aircraft veered left off the runway, the propeller struck dirt, and the aircraft flipped over.
Flight Departure and Approach
The personal flight departed Hartford-Brainard Airport and was en route to Lakeside. The flight was uneventful until the approach, which was normal.
Hard Landing and Go-Around
Touchdown was hard. The pilot added power for a go-around, but the aircraft veered left off the runway.
Ground Effect and Flap Adjustment
The pilot stated that the aircraft was still in ground effect, so he decreased the flaps to 20 degrees.
Aircraft Settling and Propeller Strike
The aircraft then settled hard, the propeller caught in some dirt, and the aircraft flipped over.