Casualties unknown

Cessna 172 Strikes Power Line During Go-Around Attempt (N3767R)

Liberty, MS, US

On September 12, 1993, a Cessna 172H (registration N3767R) was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAYED GO-AROUND AND FAILURE TO RETRACT THE FLAPS IN A TIMELY MANNER. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF DISTANCE AND SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN OVERSHOOTING THE APPROACH, AND THE EXISTENCE OF POWER LINES… 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 witness observed a Cessna 172 on approach to runway 36. The airplane bounced and porpoised, then initiated a go-around. It entered a left turn with full flaps and low airspeed, struck a power line, and crashed.

Event Description

A witness reported observing a Cessna 172 on approach to runway 36. The approach was described as fast and high. After touching down, the airplane bounced and began to porpoise. An increase in engine power was heard, and the pilot initiated a go-around.

Go-Around and Maneuver

During the go-around, the nose of the airplane pitched up approximately 10–15 degrees, and a left turn was initiated at an estimated bank angle of 20–30 degrees. The flaps were fully extended at 30 degrees, and the airspeed was described as being close to a stall. The airplane passed overhead the witness and subsequently crashed.

Power Line Obstruction

The aircraft collided with a power line that crosses the runway 1,325 feet from its beginning, at a height of 50 feet above the ground. Records indicate that the power lines have been in place since 1953 or earlier. The impact occurred with the airplane in a left wing low, nose-down attitude.

Manual Recommendation

The Cessna 172 owner's manual states that during a go-around, the flap setting should be reduced to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 1993 Cessna 172H accident near Liberty, MS?

A witness observed a Cessna 172 on approach to runway 36. The airplane bounced and porpoised, then initiated a go-around. It entered a left turn with full flaps and low airspeed, struck a power line, and crashed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N3767R, at Liberty, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DELAYED GO-AROUND AND FAILURE TO RETRACT THE FLAPS IN A TIMELY MANNER. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF DISTANCE AND SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN OVERSHOOTING THE APPROACH, AND THE EXISTENCE OF POWER LINES CROSSING DIRECTLY OVER THE RUNWAY. THE COMBINATION OF THE…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13451. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.