Accident Details
On January 19, 2015, about 1730 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172F airplane, N7854U, impacted terrain during a go-around at the Lowell City Airport (24C), Lowell, Michigan. The solo student pilot was seriously injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Majestic Air under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the local flight departed without a flight plan.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot reported that he was attempting a full-stop landing on the 2,394-foot runway. He elected to go around after realizing his anticipated touchdown point was too long. During the go-around, the student stated that he did not apply full power due to disorientation, which included blurred vision and dizziness. The airplane climbed slowly and approached the end of the runway at low altitude. Concerned about trees near the end of the runway, the student initiated a crosswind turn at low altitude. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, which descended rapidly and impacted terrain.
A video recorded by the flight instructor captured the accident sequence. The video and the instructor's observations were consistent with the student's account: a shallow climb with less than full engine power, followed by a crosswind turn at low altitude and a rapid descent.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.