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Casualties unknown

Go-Around Attempt Ends in Crash After Pilot Retracts Flaps, Pulls Back on Yoke (N1620V)

Backus, MN, US

On July 27, 1996, a Cessna 172M (registration N1620V) was involved in an aviation accident near Backus, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and his abrupt maneuver to avoid the tree tops. The dark night was a factor. 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

During a go-around, the pilot advanced the throttle and retracted flaps from 40° to 20°. After seeing treetops, he pulled back on the yoke; the airplane dipped left, struck trees, and fell to the ground. No anomalies were found.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a single-engine airplane was on final approach when he felt uncomfortable with being above the glidepath. He decided to execute a go-around, advancing the throttle to full power and moving the flap switch up two notches from 40 degrees to 20 degrees. According to the pilot, "Everything seemed to be going fine when the next thing I saw was the tree tops." He then "instinctively pulled back on the yoke" to clear the trees. The airplane "dipped to the left," struck the trees, and fell to the ground.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airplane. No problems were found with the controls, engine, or any other systems.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that the go-around was initiated due to being above the glidepath. The flap retraction from 40 to 20 degrees was part of the go-around procedure. After seeing the trees, the pilot's instinctive pull on the yoke was followed by the aircraft banking left and impacting the trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1996 Cessna 172M accident near Backus, MN?

During a go-around, the pilot advanced the throttle and retracted flaps from 40° to 20°. After seeing treetops, he pulled back on the yoke; the airplane dipped left, struck trees, and fell to the ground. No anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1620V, at Backus, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and his abrupt maneuver to avoid the tree tops. The dark night was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06193. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.