On July 17, 1995, a Cessna 170B (registration N3165B) was involved in an aviation accident near Afton, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION AND A STALL NOT IDENTIFIED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a student solo flight practicing touch-and-go landings, the pilot initiated a go-around after a high approach and float. Upon adding full power, the airplane drifted left, the left wing struck the ground and a fence post, leading to a semi-cartwheel.
Accident Details
A student pilot was conducting a solo flight and entered the traffic pattern to practice touch-and-go landings. According to the pilot's statement, the approach was slightly high, and the airplane floated over the runway, causing an increase in the angle of attack. The pilot decided to execute a go-around.
Sequence of Events
When full power was applied for the go-around, the airplane began to drift to the left. The left wing dropped and made contact with the ground, subsequently striking a fence post. The impact caused the airplane to semi-cartwheel before coming to a stop.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no other issues leading up to the event. The flight was a solo training session, and the pilot was practicing landing procedures at the time of the accident.