No fatalities

Minor Firewall Damage After Go-Around During Landing Flare (N5247R)

Patterson, LA, US

On May 4, 2001, a Cessna 172M (registration N5247R) was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the go-around after the initial runway impact during the flare phase, which resulted in damage to the firewall. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a go-around after encountering wind gusts during the landing flare, resulting in a hard touchdown on the runway before completing a safe landing.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was in the final stages of approach. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind which disrupted the descent profile. In response to the unstable conditions, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around maneuver.

During this transition, the airplane impacted the runway surface. The contact involved the right main wheel and the nose wheel. Despite the impact, the go-around was successfully continued, and the aircraft subsequently executed a normal landing without further incident.

The investigation

Following the event, a subsequent inspection of the airplane was conducted to assess any structural or mechanical damage resulting from the runway impact. The inspection revealed that the firewall had sustained damage.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the go-around after the initial runway impact during the flare phase, which resulted in damage to the firewall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 2001 Cessna 172M accident near Patterson, LA?

A pilot initiated a go-around after encountering wind gusts during the landing flare, resulting in a hard touchdown on the runway before completing a safe landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 2001 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 2001 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N5247R, at Patterson, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the go-around after the initial runway impact during the flare phase, which resulted in damage to the firewall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010608X01100. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.