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Hard Landing Leads to Go-Around, Then Loss of Lift During Touch-and-Go Practice (N238SP)

Englewood, CO, US

On August 4, 2002, a Cessna 172S (registration N238SP) operated by Key Lime Flights was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's adjustment of the flap position resulted in a loss of lift, causing the airplane to fall to the runway. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a hard landing and bounce prompted a go-around. After the instructor adjusted the flaps, the airplane lost lift and fell onto the runway, sliding onto a taxiway.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, receiving instruction and flying from the right seat, conducted a series of touch-and-go landings. After four successful landings, the fifth approach was normal with flaps set to 30 degrees. However, the flare was too high, resulting in a hard landing and a bounce.

Go-Around Attempt

The pilot applied full power and began a go-around, flying down the runway. The instructor then adjusted the flap position. Subsequently, the airplane lost all lift and fell onto the runway.

Outcome

The airplane slid across a grassy area before coming to a stop on the taxiway. No further details were provided regarding injuries or damage.

Probable cause

The instructor's adjustment of the flap position resulted in a loss of lift, causing the airplane to fall to the runway.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2002 Cessna 172S accident near Englewood, CO?

During a training flight, a hard landing and bounce prompted a go-around. After the instructor adjusted the flaps, the airplane lost lift and fell onto the runway, sliding onto a taxiway.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Aug 2002 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N238SP, operated by Key Lime Flights, at Englewood, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor's adjustment of the flap position resulted in a loss of lift, causing the airplane to fall to the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.