Introduction
A private pilot on a solo night cross-country flight encountered difficulties during approach and landing, leading to a stall and impact with trees and terrain.
Flight Details
The pilot was flying a dark, nighttime cross-country flight. Upon reaching the destination airport, the first approach was too high and fast, prompting a go-around. The second approach was also high, but the airplane touched down on the 4,200-foot-long runway. Concerned about being unable to stop before the runway's end, the pilot added full engine power and initiated another go-around. Engine power increased normally.
Accident Sequence
During the initial climb after the second go-around, the pilot experienced difficulty controlling the airplane. Contrary to Cessna's published recommended balked landing procedure, the pilot did not retract the wing flaps from their 40-degree setting. The airspeed became slow, the airplane stalled, and it impacted trees and terrain.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had been issued a private pilot certificate approximately 1.5 months before the accident. This flight was the pilot's first solo night cross-country flight, and total pilot-in-command night experience was 1.5 hours.