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Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around Practice at Airport (N5358N)

Petaluma, CA, US

On August 31, 1990, a Boeing E75 (registration N5358N) operated by Bott, Conrad was involved in an aviation accident near Petaluma, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly use the rudder during the go-around, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with an airport wind tetrahedron. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing touch-and-go maneuvers lost control during a go-around due to improper rudder use, resulting in a collision with a wind tetrahedron. The flight control system was intact.

What happened

The pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings at the airport. During the final landing approach of the session, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. While executing this maneuver, the pilot failed to properly utilize the rudder controls. This lack of proper control input resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft. The airplane subsequently collided with the airport's wind tetrahedron.

The investigation

Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine the mechanical status of the flight controls. The investigation established that there was continuity of the flight control system. This finding indicated that the physical linkage and operation of the controls were intact at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly use the rudder during the go-around, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with an airport wind tetrahedron.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1990 Boeing E75 accident near Petaluma, CA?

A pilot practicing touch-and-go maneuvers lost control during a go-around due to improper rudder use, resulting in a collision with a wind tetrahedron. The flight control system was intact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1990 involved a Boeing E75, registration N5358N, operated by Bott, Conrad, at Petaluma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly use the rudder during the go-around, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with an airport wind tetrahedron.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24069. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.