FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Terrain Following Loss of Control During Go-Around (N2882A)

Adelanto, CA, US

On January 31, 2005, a Cessna 180 (registration N2882A) was involved in an aviation accident near Adelanto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during an attempted go-around, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. 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 attempted go-around on the pilot's first landing at the airport, the airplane lost control and collided with terrain. The pilot did not hold a current medical certificate. A witness reported unusual climb attitude and roll.

Accident Sequence

The airplane collided with terrain after the pilot lost control during an attempted go-around. The flight was the pilot's first landing at the airport. The pilot flew the airplane upwind on the northern side of the runway, crossed midfield, and turned downwind for left traffic on runway 25. A quartering tailwind was present from the pilot's right side.

Witness Observations

A witness reported that the airplane appeared stable while on downwind, base leg, and final approach. The witness lost sight of the airplane as it descended below the horizon and then heard the engine power up. When the witness reacquired the airplane, the nose was positioned much higher than typically observed during climb out, and the wings were rocking left and right. The airplane subsequently rolled approximately 45 degrees to the left, and the nose began to fall. The last time the witness saw the airplane, it remained in a 45-degree left bank with the nose falling level with the horizon. The engine sound stopped as a thud was heard. The witness stated that the engine sounded strong until the thud and did not sputter or backfire.

Pilot Information

The pilot did not hold a current medical certificate.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jan 2005 Cessna 180 accident near Adelanto, CA?

During an attempted go-around on the pilot's first landing at the airport, the airplane lost control and collided with terrain. The pilot did not hold a current medical certificate. A witness reported unusual climb attitude and roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jan 2005 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2882A, at Adelanto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during an attempted go-around, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050211X00183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.