No fatalities

Go-Around Results in Runway Sign Strike and Substantial Damage

Phoenix, AZ, United States

On October 6, 2016, a CESSNA 172 S operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control during a go-around and a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a training go-around on runway 30 right, an airplane yawed left, struck a runway remaining sign, and bounced. The instructor reduced throttle, the airplane settled, and rolled onto runway 30 center. Substantial damage occurred to the aft fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.

Incident Overview

The operator reported an incident that occurred during a training flight. The flight instructor was conducting a go-around on runway 30 right. Upon applying power, the airplane experienced a left yaw, which led to a collision with a runway remaining sign. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce off the ground.

Sequence of Events

Following the bounce, the flight instructor moved the throttle to idle. The airplane then settled back to the ground and continued rolling onto runway 30 center before stopping. The entire sequence took place on the runway complex, with the aircraft initially on runway 30 right before transitioning to runway 30 center after the go-around attempt was aborted.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Specifically, the aft fuselage bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer sustained significant structural damage. No other damage was reported.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft was otherwise functioning as expected prior to the go-around attempt.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilotEffect on operation

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident near Phoenix, AZ?

During a training go-around on runway 30 right, an airplane yawed left, struck a runway remaining sign, and bounced. The instructor reduced throttle, the airplane settled, and rolled onto runway 30 center. Substantial damage occurred to the aft fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Oct 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 S, operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION, at Phoenix, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control during a go-around and a runway excursion.