Casualties unknown

1999-09-17: Cessna 172N (N2339E) — Merced, CA

Merced, CA, US

On September 17, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N2339E) was involved in an aviation accident near Merced, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during an attempted go-around with insufficient airspeed, which led to an inadvertent stall/mush condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a touch-and-go flight experienced a strong left-quartering headwind on final approach, a gust lifted the left wing, and after veering off the runway, a go-around attempt resulted in a stall and impact from about 50 feet.

Event Description

The purpose of the flight was to perform a touch-and-go at the accident airport and then return to home base. During the flight to the accident airport, no discrepancies were noted.

Approach and Crosswind

On final approach, the pilot observed that the windsock indicated a crosswind. At approximately 30 feet above ground level (AGL), he felt a strong left-quartering headwind. After correcting for the crosswind, a gust of wind pushed the left wing upward, causing the airplane to veer off the runway.

Go-Around Attempt and Impact

The pilot attempted to land, but when he realized he would not be able to land on the runway, he applied full throttle and pushed the carburetor heat in to initiate a go-around. During the go-around, the pilot felt the airplane about to stall and retracted all of the flaps. He stated that there was not enough lift, and the airplane impacted the ground from about 50 feet AGL.

Conditions

No mechanical malfunctions were noted with the airplane or engine. The airport manager reported that the winds at the time of the accident were from the northwest at 5 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19812. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.