Casualties unknown

Go-Around Ends in Collision with Mobile Home at Private Airstrip (N73846)

Hartford, AL, US

On May 26, 1994, a Cessna 172N (registration N73846) operated by Holman, Jerry P. was involved in an aviation accident near Hartford, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS WERE THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF HIS STUDENT, THE GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS, AND THE TREES LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 go-around after a wind gust on short final, a training aircraft's right wing tip struck trees. Control was lost, and the airplane crashed into a mobile home adjacent to the runway.

Accident Overview

A dual student and flight instructor were conducting landing practice at a private grass airstrip. The student was handling the controls. While on short final approach, the airplane encountered a gust of wind that caused a drift to the right. Both pilots responded by applying full power and initiating a go-around.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around maneuver, the right wing tip contacted trees. Control of the airplane was subsequently lost, and the aircraft crashed into the roof of a mobile home located adjacent to the runway.

Weather Conditions

Surface winds at a nearby airport were reported as from 250 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 16 knots. The pilots reported that while in the traffic pattern prior to the accident, they observed the wind sock indicating variable wind directions and that the sock was 'straight out.'

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved a wind gust during the landing approach, a drift correction, and a go-around that led to contact with trees and loss of control. The aircraft then struck a mobile home. No further details are available from the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 May 1994 Cessna 172N accident near Hartford, AL?

During a go-around after a wind gust on short final, a training aircraft's right wing tip struck trees. Control was lost, and the airplane crashed into a mobile home adjacent to the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 May 1994 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N73846, operated by Holman, Jerry P., at Hartford, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS WERE THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF HIS STUDENT, THE GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS, AND THE TREES LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.