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Casualties unknown

Stall During Go-Around After Overshot Final in Instructional Flight (N9718B)

Melbourne, FL, US

On December 28, 1991, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9718B) operated by Alpha Flight, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE DEMONSTRATING A POWER OFF APPROACH TO THE STUDENT AND HIS IMPROPER RETRACTION OF THE WING FLAPS DURING GO AROUND FROM THE APPROACH RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND INFLIGHT LOSS… 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

During an instructional flight, a student pilot performed a power-off approach. The CFI took control due to low altitude on base leg, then initiated a go-around when the final approach was overshot. The aircraft stalled, struck the ground left wing low, and cartwheeled.

Incident Overview

During an instructional flight, a private-rated student pilot was at the controls with a certified flight instructor (CFI) serving as pilot in command, as the student did not have a complex aircraft checkout. The student performed a power-off approach. On the base leg, when the aircraft appeared low, the CFI took over the controls to complete the approach.

Final Approach and Go-Around

When the final approach was overshot, the CFI initiated a go-around and attempted to raise the flaps to 10 degrees. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and descended with the left wing low, striking the ground. After impact, the aircraft cartwheeled.

Post-Crash Examination

A post-crash examination revealed that the flaps were fully retracted at ground impact. Inspection of the aircraft's engine, flight controls, flap system, and stall warning system showed no evidence of precrash failure or malfunction.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Dec 1991 Cessna 172RG accident near Melbourne, FL?

During an instructional flight, a student pilot performed a power-off approach. The CFI took control due to low altitude on base leg, then initiated a go-around when the final approach was overshot. The aircraft stalled, struck the ground left wing low, and cartwheeled.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9718B, operated by Alpha Flight, Inc., at Melbourne, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE DEMONSTRATING A POWER OFF APPROACH TO THE STUDENT AND HIS IMPROPER RETRACTION OF THE WING FLAPS DURING GO AROUND FROM THE APPROACH RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO THE GROUND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.