Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Encounters Difficulties During Landing and Go-Around, Strikes Trees (N7821G)

Parkersburg, WV, US

On August 4, 2001, a Cessna 172L (registration N7821G) was involved in an aviation accident near Parkersburg, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to obtain a proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with trees. 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 landing, the airplane bounced and veered right. The student pilot initiated a go-around but, observing trees ahead, aborted takeoff. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest on its right side.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was landing an airplane when it bounced on the runway. The pilot then applied power to "even it out a little." The airplane touched back down on the main landing gear and began to pull to the right. In response, the student pilot applied power and aborted the landing, initiating a go-around.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane began to climb, the student pilot observed trees directly in front of the aircraft. Realizing that the airplane would not be able to climb over the trees, the pilot aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees and came to rest on its right side.

Witness Account

A witness reported observing the airplane at an altitude of about 20 feet above the runway, describing it as being "in a real high nose attitude or a high angle of attack." According to the witness, the airplane did not appear to gain any altitude for approximately 75 percent of the runway length.

Conclusion

The incident concluded with the airplane striking trees and coming to rest on its right side. No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or extent of damage are available from the provided source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2001 Cessna 172L accident near Parkersburg, WV?

During landing, the airplane bounced and veered right. The student pilot initiated a go-around but, observing trees ahead, aborted takeoff. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest on its right side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2001 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N7821G, at Parkersburg, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to obtain a proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010813X01669. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.