What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft on his first flight since being checked out in the Cessna 172. During an approach phase characterized by a quartering headwind, the pilot elected to execute a go-around maneuver. A witness reported that the aircraft initially began a steep climb before transitioning into a steep right turn. Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly entered a stall and spin condition before impacting the terrain.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. No pre-impact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found during the investigation. The mechanical condition of the aircraft prior to impact appeared normal, suggesting that the accident was not caused by a technical failure but rather by pilot input and aerodynamic factors.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the go-around maneuver was executed in a manner that led to an aerodynamic stall. The combination of a steep climb followed immediately by a steep right turn likely resulted in a loss of airspeed and control authority, leading to the spin. The pilot's lack of recent experience in this specific aircraft type may have contributed to the inability to recover from the unusual attitude.
Safety message
Pilots on their first flight after a checkout or proficiency check should be aware that they may not yet possess the necessary muscle memory and situational awareness for complex maneuvers. Extra caution is advised when performing go-arounds, particularly in windy conditions, to ensure adequate airspeed and proper configuration are maintained throughout the maneuver.