On April 29, 1990, a Cessna 172M (registration N20302) was involved in an aviation accident near Jonesboro, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND INFLIGHT PLANNING, AND HIS DELAYED CLIMB AFTER EXECUTION OF A GO-AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a go-around, a private pilot stalled the airplane, which then crashed into a nearby house. Investigation found a tailwind landing attempt, an upsloping runway, nearby trees, near-maximum gross weight, and the pilot's delayed climbout and premature flap retraction.
Incident Overview
A private pilot executed a go-around, during which the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed into a house near the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot had initially attempted to land with a tailwind of about ten knots. The runway had a 2.2-degree upslope, and there were 60-foot-tall trees located near the departure end of the runway. At the time of the accident, the airplane was near its maximum gross weight.
Further examination of the go-around sequence indicated that the pilot delayed the climbout and prematurely raised the flaps. These actions likely affected the airplane's performance during the critical phase of the go-around.
No other factors or causal statements were provided in the source material.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Apr 1990 Cessna 172M accident near Jonesboro, GA?
After a go-around, a private pilot stalled the airplane, which then crashed into a nearby house. Investigation found a tailwind landing attempt, an upsloping runway, nearby trees, near-maximum gross weight, and the pilot's delayed climbout and premature flap retraction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N20302, at Jonesboro, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND INFLIGHT PLANNING, AND HIS DELAYED CLIMB AFTER EXECUTION OF A GO-AROUND. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE HIS MISREADING OF AIRFIELD WIND INFORMATION, HIS IMPROPER UTILIZATION OF THE FLAPS DURING CLIMBOUT, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RECOMMENDED AIRSPEED, AND THE SUBSEQUENT STALLING…