On May 21, 1991, a Cessna 172P (registration N172GA) operated by Gillette Air Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Alva, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around maneuver while practicing simulated forced landings, which resulted in an emergency landing in a pasture. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing simulated forced landings in a Cessna 172 experienced an engine failure during a go-around maneuver. The aircraft landed in a pasture, but post-flight inspection revealed the engine was functioning normally.
What happened
The pilot of a Cessna 172 reported that he was conducting training maneuvers involving simulated forced landings. During one such exercise, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to abort the landing approach. At this point, the engine failed to respond as expected when the throttle was advanced. Unable to regain sufficient power for flight, the pilot elected to make an emergency landing in a nearby pasture rather than attempting to reach a paved road.
The investigation
Following the incident, FAA inspectors conducted a ground test of the aircraft's propulsion system. The inspection revealed that the engine operated and accelerated normally under test conditions. This finding suggests that the power loss experienced during the flight was likely transient or related to pilot input timing rather than a mechanical failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around maneuver while practicing simulated forced landings, which resulted in an emergency landing in a pasture.
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