No fatalities

Go-Around Abandoned After Passenger Panic Leads to Tree Strike

Sterling, MA, United States

On May 31, 2010, a CESSNA 172N operated by SAVARD PAULA K was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to not continue with the go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to the passenger’s panicked condition. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a go-around after being too high on final approach but discontinued it when a passenger panicked. The airplane settled into trees past the runway end, causing structural damage.

Scenario

The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 34 based on prevailing winds. While in the pattern, the pilot observed the wind sock change direction to favor runway 16 and began maneuvering for a runway 16 landing. The winds then shifted again to favor runway 34.

Final Approach

On final approach for runway 34, the pilot found the airplane too high over the touchdown zone and executed a go-around. During the go-around, a passenger seated in the right seat panicked and started screaming.

Outcome

In response to the passenger's panic, the pilot discontinued the go-around, closed the throttle, and the airplane settled into the trees past the end of the runway. The wings and fuselage sustained structural damage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Passenger

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2010 CESSNA 172N accident near Sterling, MA?

A pilot initiated a go-around after being too high on final approach but discontinued it when a passenger panicked. The airplane settled into trees past the runway end, causing structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 2010 CESSNA 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2010 involved a CESSNA 172N, operated by SAVARD PAULA K, at Sterling, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s decision to not continue with the go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to the passenger’s panicked condition.