Incident Summary
During a landing in crosswind conditions, a Cessna 172R began to drift right over runway lights during the flare. The pilot determined it was not safe to land and initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps from 30 degrees to zero degrees. During the climb, the airplane was unable to gain airspeed or altitude, and settled into the grass next to the runway. The pilot aborted the go-around and taxied back onto the runway, then proceeded to the ramp.
Pilot Actions
In accordance with the standard go-around procedure, the pilot applied full power and began flap retraction. However, the flaps were retracted directly from 30 degrees to zero degrees, bypassing intermediate settings recommended in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). The pilot later stated that he did not realize the angle of attack was severe enough to cause a tail strike during the maneuver.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the elevator and rudder, consistent with a tail strike. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Relevant Handbook Guidance
The Cessna 172R (180 HP) Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies that during a balked landing (go-around) climb, the flap setting should be reduced to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied. If obstacles must be cleared, the flaps should be reduced to 10 degrees while maintaining a safe airspeed until obstacles are cleared. Retracting flaps to zero degrees in a single step, as performed by the pilot, deviated from this guidance.