FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls and Spins During Touch-and-Go Training (N8426U)

Gonzales, LA, US

On December 18, 1997, a Cessna 172F (registration N8426U) was involved in an aviation accident near Gonzales, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall resulting from the flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during his delayed recovery from the bounced 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 a dual instructional flight, on short final for the 4th touch-and-go, the nose rotated downward at 20-30 feet. After a hard bounce, the aircraft yawed left and entered a stall/spin, impacting the ground.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a dual instructional flight while the aircraft was on short final for its fourth touch-and-go landing. The nose of the aircraft rotated downward at an altitude of approximately 20-30 feet above the runway.

Sequence of Events

In response to the nose-down attitude, the instructor issued a verbal command to 'pull up - pull up.' However, the main wheels and then the nose wheel struck the runway, causing the aircraft to bounce. The flight instructor then took control, applied full power, and retracted the flaps. The aircraft veered uncontrollably to the left and impacted the ground.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the airplane bounced hard, with the nose pitching high (15 to 20 degrees). The airplane yawed to the left, then entered a stall/spin and struck the ground.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 1997 Cessna 172F accident near Gonzales, LA?

During a dual instructional flight, on short final for the 4th touch-and-go, the nose rotated downward at 20-30 feet. After a hard bounce, the aircraft yawed left and entered a stall/spin, impacting the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 1997 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N8426U, at Gonzales, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadvertent stall resulting from the flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during his delayed recovery from the bounced landing. Factors were the student's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and the instructor's inadequate supervision during the landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09308. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.