Casualties unknown

Pilot Collides with Trees After Go-Around During Landing at Coastal Airport (N54920)

Kitty Hawk, NC, US

On June 25, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N54920) operated by Lasher, Richard W. was involved in an aviation accident near Kitty Hawk, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS, HIS IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE THE WIND CONDITIONS AND THE TREES THAT BOUNDED 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 landing at a coastal airport with strong winds, a pilot reduced power to idle after descending below tree tops, causing a rapid sink rate and bounce. A go-around led to loss of directional control and stall, resulting in collision with trees.

Landing

The pilot was landing at a coastal airport experiencing strong winds and wind gusts. He commented that he had trained at a coastal airport with persistent crosswinds but did not account for the trees that bounded the runway. As the airplane descended below the tops of the trees, and the pilot recognized that the runway was made, he reduced the power to idle. The airplane then developed a rapid sink rate, landed, and bounced.

Go-Around

After the bounce, a go-around was initiated. However, during the go-around, the pilot lost directional control, and the airplane subsequently stalled.

Collision

Following the loss of directional control and stall, the airplane collided with the trees.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Kitty Hawk, NC?

During landing at a coastal airport with strong winds, a pilot reduced power to idle after descending below tree tops, causing a rapid sink rate and bounce. A go-around led to loss of directional control and stall, resulting in collision with trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N54920, operated by Lasher, Richard W., at Kitty Hawk, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS, HIS IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE THE WIND CONDITIONS AND THE TREES THAT BOUNDED THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.