Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops After Go-Around on Grass Strip (N172ND)

Crookston, MN, US

On July 27, 1993, a Piper PA-28 (registration N172ND) operated by University OF North Dakota was involved in an aviation accident near Crookston, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper execution of a go-around following a prolonged flare, which resulted in insufficient altitude gain and subsequent contact with the taxiway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After a prolonged flare during a grass strip landing, the pilot executed a go-around but failed to gain altitude immediately, striking a taxiway before ground looping into a ditch alongside runway 13-31.

What happened

The incident occurred during an attempt to land on a grass strip. According to the pilot's account, the aircraft flared for touchdown but remained airborne for an extended period without making contact with the surface. Observing this prolonged float, the other pilot aboard instructed the pilot to initiate a go-around.

In response, the pilot applied additional power. However, the aircraft did not climb immediately as expected. Instead, it descended and struck the taxiway associated with runway 13-31. Following the impact, the airplane ground looped and ultimately came to rest in a ditch located alongside runway 13-31.

The investigation

The factual narrative provided by the pilot indicates that the primary sequence of events involved a delayed touchdown during the landing flare, followed by an unsuccessful go-around maneuver. The aircraft's failure to climb immediately after power application resulted in contact with the taxiway surface, leading to loss of directional control and final rest in adjacent terrain.

Findings

The accident was caused by the pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed or pitch attitude during the go-around phase after a prolonged flare. The delayed reaction to the other pilot's instruction and the subsequent failure to establish a positive climb rate resulted in the aircraft striking the taxiway and ground looping.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper execution of a go-around following a prolonged flare, which resulted in insufficient altitude gain and subsequent contact with the taxiway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.