FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Impact with Timber During Go-Around at Private Airport (N64156)

Shaw Island, WA, US

On April 22, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N64156) operated by Flying School OF The Cascades was involved in an aviation accident near Shaw Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DELAYED GO-AROUND, AND PROCEDURES NOT BEING FOLLOWED. FACTORS INCLUDE A LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF OPERATION, TREES NEAR THE RUNWAY, AND AN UPHILL RUNWAY SLOPE. 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 Cessna 172 struck old-growth timber while attempting a go-around at a private, restricted airport with a steep upslope runway and surrounding dense forest.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 172 impacted a stand of old-growth timber while performing a go-around at a private, restricted airport. The runway, characterized by a steep upslope to the north, is surrounded by a dense old-growth forest. The aircraft had initiated the go-around to the north.

Witness Accounts

A witness reported that during the go-around attempt, the aircraft appeared to be producing full power and the flaps seemed to be in the full down position. Additionally, the passenger stated that the pilot started the go-around 'well down the runway.'

Aircraft Examination

Following the event, the aircraft was found with the flaps in the 30 to 40 degree range and the carburetor heat in the on (hot) position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Apr 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Shaw Island, WA?

A Cessna 172 struck old-growth timber while attempting a go-around at a private, restricted airport with a steep upslope runway and surrounding dense forest.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64156, operated by Flying School OF The Cascades, at Shaw Island, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A DELAYED GO-AROUND, AND PROCEDURES NOT BEING FOLLOWED. FACTORS INCLUDE A LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF OPERATION, TREES NEAR THE RUNWAY, AND AN UPHILL RUNWAY SLOPE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14515. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.