Casualties unknown

1996-03-22: Cessna 172M (N73356) — Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg, TX, US

On March 22, 1996, a Cessna 172M (registration N73356) was involved in an aviation accident near Fredericksburg, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach and go-around, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172M crashed during a go-around attempt after a low, slow approach to runway 14 in gusty winds. The aircraft stalled, impacted the ground, and a post-impact fire destroyed the airplane.

Accident Details

A Cessna 172M was landing on runway 14 with winds reported from 150 to 160 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot initiated a go-around after aborting the landing.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated in his report that he advanced full throttle and initiated a go-around. He reported that the stall horn 'went off momentarily and the plane dropped hard on the right wheel and bounced back up in the air.' During the ensuing attempted go-around, the stall horn began to sound again. The aircraft then impacted the ground, and a postimpact fire erupted, destroying the airplane. The pilot had flown 2.4 hours in the last 90 days.

Witness Account

According to the pilot of another airplane, the Cessna pilot's approach was 'too low, shallow, and slow.' The witness further reported that he did not think the airplane 'would reach the runway,' and as it reached the runway, it began 'to rock indicating he was about to stall.'

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05405. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.