What happened
A student pilot was practicing soft-field takeoffs and landings when the aircraft, a Cessna 172, became low on final approach during the second touch-and-go. After setting the flaps to 30 degrees, the pilot added power but did not extend the final 10 degrees of flaps to maintain an appropriate position.
Upon touchdown in a slight crosswind, the aircraft bounced and drifted toward the right side of the runway. As the aircraft moved off the runway surface, the pilot initiated a go-around by rapidly advancing the throttle. During this maneuver, the engine momentarily sputtered and coughed, causing the aircraft to settle toward the ground. While the pilot continued the go-around and turned back toward the runway, the engine reached full power, but the right wing dropped and struck the terrain. The nosewheel subsequently impacted the dirt area adjacent to the runway.
Findings
The investigation determined that during the go-around, the pilot failed to reposition the flaps to the 20-degree position as required by the Pilot's Operating Handbook. Additionally, the density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 5,100 feet.