Casualties unknown

Go-Around Maneuver Ends in Stall and Impact (CGFTE)

Oak Harbor, WA, US

On August 16, 1991, a Cessna 172M (registration CGFTE) operated by Centennial Flying School was involved in an aviation accident near Oak Harbor, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ALLOWING THE AIRSPEED TO DECAY BELOW THE STALL SPEED. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL RECENT EXPERIENCE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot with 2.5 hours in 90 days executed a go-around. During the maneuver, the aircraft turned left, pitched up, decelerated below stall speed, stalled, rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise, and impacted the ground. Nose-up elevator trim was not removed; altitude was insufficient for recovery.

Event Summary

A private pilot with only 2.5 hours logged in the previous 90 days chose to execute a go-around during an approach to a runway. During the go-around maneuver, the pilot allowed the aircraft to turn left and pitch up with the application of power. The airspeed decelerated below the stall speed. The nose-up elevator trim that had been applied during the approach was not removed during the go-around maneuver. The aircraft stalled and rotated approximately 180 degrees counterclockwise before impacting the ground. Insufficient altitude was available to enable the pilot to successfully execute a full recovery before ground impact.

Pilot Experience

The pilot held a private pilot certificate and had accumulated only 2.5 flight hours in the 90 days preceding the event. No other pilot or aircraft information was provided.

Go-Around Maneuver

The go-around was initiated while on approach. As power was applied, the aircraft's nose pitched up and the aircraft turned left. The airspeed decreased, falling below the stall speed.

Trim Condition

The elevator trim had been set to a nose-up position for the approach. This trim setting was not adjusted or removed during the go-around.

Stall and Rotation

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall. During the stall, the aircraft rotated approximately 180 degrees counterclockwise. The descent continued until ground impact.

Recovery Attempt

The altitude available at the time of the stall was insufficient to allow the pilot to complete a full recovery before contacting the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1991 Cessna 172M accident near Oak Harbor, WA?

A private pilot with 2.5 hours in 90 days executed a go-around. During the maneuver, the aircraft turned left, pitched up, decelerated below stall speed, stalled, rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise, and impacted the ground. Nose-up elevator trim was not removed; altitude was insufficient for recovery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1991 involved a Cessna 172M, registration CGFTE, operated by Centennial Flying School, at Oak Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ALLOWING THE AIRSPEED TO DECAY BELOW THE STALL SPEED. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL RECENT EXPERIENCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.