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Wind Shear Encounter Leads to Go-Around and Nose-Over During Approach (N54202)

Colo. Springs, CO, US

On April 26, 2003, a Cessna 172P (registration N54202) was involved in an aviation accident near Colo. Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to obtain and maintain adequate altitude during the go-around. Factors contributing to the accident were the encountered windshear, the student pilot's premature raising of the flaps, the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision,… 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 an approach, a flight instructor and student pilot experienced wind shear. A go-around was initiated, but the airplane failed to climb, struck a hill, and flipped over, sustaining substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting an approach to a runway when the airplane encountered wind shear. The instructor directed the student to execute a go-around. The student pilot added power, and the airplane climbed to a height described as "just above the runway." According to the flight instructor, the airplane would not climb further. Subsequently, the nose wheel struck a small hill on the approach end of the runway, causing the airplane to flip over.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the propeller, engine cowling, nose gear, firewall, and both wings.

Post-Recovery Observations

After the airplane was recovered, the flight instructor noted that the flaps were in the up position. The instructor reported that during the approach, the flaps had been in the full down position. An examination of the airplane revealed no pre-existing anomalies that could have contributed to the accident.

Winds

Winds reported at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, 225 degrees at 14 nautical miles, 4 minutes after the accident occurred, were from 140 degrees at 5 knots.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 2003 Cessna 172P accident near Colo. Springs, CO?

During an approach, a flight instructor and student pilot experienced wind shear. A go-around was initiated, but the airplane failed to climb, struck a hill, and flipped over, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Apr 2003 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 2003 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54202, at Colo. Springs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to obtain and maintain adequate altitude during the go-around. Factors contributing to the accident were the encountered windshear, the student pilot's premature raising of the flaps, the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, and the berm.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030428X00579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.