Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Second Touch-and-Go Landing Attempt Ends in Stall and Off-Runway Resting (N172PS)

Cincinnati, OH, US

On August 4, 1996, a Cessna 172M (registration N172PS) was involved in an aviation accident near Cincinnati, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a stall/spin and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A factor related to the accident was: an improper (premature) flare for landing. 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 her first solo flight, a student pilot executed an uneventful landing on runway 21R. On her second attempt, she flared high, initiated a go-around, but the aircraft stalled, veered left, and came to rest east of runway 21L.

Incident Overview

A student pilot on her first solo flight was instructed by her flight instructor to perform three touch-and-go landings and one full-stop landing while he observed. The tower controller cleared her to runway 21R for her first landing, which was uneventful.

Second Landing Attempt

After the first touch-and-go, the tower controller cleared her to runway 21L for subsequent operations. On her second attempted landing, the student flared approximately 20 feet or more above the runway surface. Recognizing the error, she applied full throttle and lowered the nose to gain airspeed, intending to retract the fully extended wing flaps. She attempted a go-around.

Stall and Off-Runway Resting

During the go-around, the aircraft stalled. According to reports, the aircraft veered to the left, pitched down, and performed a complete reversal before coming to rest well east of runway 21L.

Additional Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather conditions, or ATC involvement beyond the tower clearances. The narrative is based solely on the information provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 1996 Cessna 172M accident near Cincinnati, OH?

During her first solo flight, a student pilot executed an uneventful landing on runway 21R. On her second attempt, she flared high, initiated a go-around, but the aircraft stalled, veered left, and came to rest east of runway 21L.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 1996 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N172PS, at Cincinnati, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a stall/spin and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A factor related to the accident was: an improper (premature) flare for landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.