On March 17, 2013, a CESSNA 172N was involved in an aviation accident near Gila Bend, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot executed a go-around after the airplane drifted left during landing. The airplane struck a tree 178 feet left of the runway and impacted the ground, damaging the engine firewall and wings. No mechanical issues were reported.
Incident Overview
A student pilot was attempting to land an airplane when it drifted to the left. In response, the pilot decided to abort the landing and execute a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the airplane struck a tree located approximately 178 feet to the left of the runway. Following the collision with the tree, the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.
Aircraft Damage
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed damage to the engine firewall and both wings. The student pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Actions
The student pilot initiated the go-around after noticing the leftward drift. The sequence of events leading to the tree strike occurred during the go-around, which was a decision made by the pilot after the initial landing attempt was compromised.
Contributing factors
Causes
Heading/course — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilot
What happened in the 17 Mar 2013 CESSNA 172N accident near Gila Bend, AZ?
A student pilot executed a go-around after the airplane drifted left during landing. The airplane struck a tree 178 feet left of the runway and impacted the ground, damaging the engine firewall and wings. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 2013 CESSNA 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 2013 involved a CESSNA 172N, at Gila Bend, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around.
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