Approach and Landing
The airplane executed a high, steep, and fast approach to the runway. It touched down past the halfway point in a hard landing and bounced severely. The pilot added power and made a smooth landing on the right side of the runway, then reduced power to idle and began aggressive braking.
Aborted Landing and Accident
As the airplane neared the departure end of the runway, the pilot increased power and lifted off again. The flaps were still fully extended, and the airplane would not climb. The pilot reduced power and landed between trees directly ahead. The right wing tip struck hard, causing the airplane to cartwheel.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Cessna 172N specifies that flaps should be retracted to 20 degrees immediately upon initiating a balked landing. The airplane was approximately 27 pounds over its certified maximum gross weight. Following recovery from the accident site, the engine was test-run in the airframe and started immediately, running smoothly with normal magneto checks.