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Cessna 152 Stalls During Go-Around Attempt (N69169)

Sterling, MA, US

On October 7, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N69169) operated by Fuller Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO INADVERTENT RETRACTION OF THE WING FLAPS DURING A GO AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 student pilot in a Cessna 152 attempted a go-around after drifting right on landing, but the flaps retracted fully, causing a stall and hard nose-low landing on runway 34.

Incident Overview

During a landing approach, a student pilot flying a Cessna 152 encountered a variable crosswind from 340 to 250 degrees at 10–15 knots while landing on runway 34. The pilot had selected landing flaps (30 degrees) when the aircraft began to drift to the right.

Go-Around Attempt

In response to the drift, the pilot added full power to execute a go-around. During the procedure, he attempted to retract the wing flaps to 20 degrees. However, the flaps retracted completely, causing the aircraft to stall.

Outcome

The stalled aircraft struck the runway in a nose-low attitude. The extent of damage and any injuries were not specified in the source.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Oct 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Sterling, MA?

A student pilot in a Cessna 152 attempted a go-around after drifting right on landing, but the flaps retracted fully, causing a stall and hard nose-low landing on runway 34.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Oct 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69169, operated by Fuller Aviation, Inc., at Sterling, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO INADVERTENT RETRACTION OF THE WING FLAPS DURING A GO AROUND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29693. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.