Accident Summary
A Cessna 172, heavily loaded and within 25 pounds of its maximum gross weight, was involved in an accident during a go-around attempt at a 2,500-foot runway. The pilot, who had been executing a full-flap VFR approach, decided to abort the landing at the midpoint of the runway. The subsequent maneuver resulted in the aircraft failing to accelerate or climb, forcing an off-airport landing in an adjacent field. During that landing, directional control was lost, and the aircraft impacted the terrain.
Flight Details
The aircraft was on a visual flight rules (VFR) approach with full flaps deployed. At the midpoint of the 2,500-foot runway, the pilot initiated a go-around. According to the owner's manual, the correct go-around procedure calls for full power and 20 degrees of flaps. However, the pilot initially selected 30 degrees of flaps and added only partial power.
Go-Around Attempt
As the aircraft began to settle, the pilot added full power and raised the flaps to 20 degrees. However, because the airspeed was decreasing and the stall warning horn was sounding, the pilot returned the flaps to the 30-degree position. In this configuration, the aircraft, which was near its maximum gross weight, did not accelerate or climb.
Outcome
The pilot concluded that the aircraft would not clear the trees at the end of the airstrip and was forced to attempt a landing in an adjacent field. During this attempt, directional control was lost, and the aircraft impacted the terrain.