On July 15, 2002, a Cessna 172 (registration N43860) was involved in an aviation accident near Barre, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around attempt, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with trees. A factor was the pilot's delayed initiation of the go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a simulated engine failure landing practice at a private airstrip, the pilot attempted a go-around after encountering a quartering tailwind, but the airplane stalled and struck trees.
Incident Summary
A pilot was practicing a simulated engine failure to a landing at a private airstrip. The airstrip, oriented east-west with an uphill incline toward the east, measured 1,200 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Operations were restricted to eastward takeoffs and landings.
Flight Details
The pilot performed a circling descent and prepared for a landing to the east. During the landing flare, the airplane was "pushed toward the trees" at the departure end of the runway by a "quartering tailwind." The pilot initiated a go-around, but the airplane did not have sufficient airspeed to maintain flight and "stalled" into the trees.
What happened in the 15 Jul 2002 Cessna 172 accident near Barre, VT?
During a simulated engine failure landing practice at a private airstrip, the pilot attempted a go-around after encountering a quartering tailwind, but the airplane stalled and struck trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 2002 involved a Cessna 172, registration N43860, at Barre, VT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around attempt, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with trees. A factor was the pilot's delayed initiation of the go-around.
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