Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Go-Around Leads to Runway Excursion and Nose Gear Collapse (N94187)

LA Belle, FL, US

On March 22, 1993, a Cessna 152 (registration N94187) operated by Florida Flight Academy, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near LA Belle, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE STUDENT PILOT, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a student pilot initiated a go-around but failed to retract flaps, causing the aircraft to settle into grass. The instructor took control, but the aircraft flipped onto its back after gear collapse.

Incident Summary

According to the airport operator, the wind was from the southeast at 5 knots and Runway 14 was the active runway. A dual student and certified flight instructor (CFI) chose to follow another pilot who had selected Runway 32.

Sequence of Events

During the landing flare, the student pilot thought the airplane was high and added full power for a go-around. The student did not retract the flaps from the full down position, and the aircraft would not accelerate. The instructor took control and lowered the nose to prevent a stall, then raised the flaps to 10 degrees. The aircraft settled into the grass on the right side of the runway. The right main landing gear dug in, followed by the nose gear, which collapsed. The aircraft then flipped onto its back.

Environmental Conditions

About 28 miles southwest at Fort Myers, the wind was from 110 degrees at 15 knots.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 1993 Cessna 152 accident near LA Belle, FL?

During a training flight, a student pilot initiated a go-around but failed to retract flaps, causing the aircraft to settle into grass. The instructor took control, but the aircraft flipped onto its back after gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 152, registration N94187, operated by Florida Flight Academy, Inc., at LA Belle, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE STUDENT PILOT, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE TAILWIND, AND THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND TRANSITION TO AN ABORTED LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE AIRSPEED AND ALLOWED THE…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.