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Go-Around Stall After Cabin Door Opens During Low Approach

Axtell, KS, United States

On August 11, 2017, a CESSNA 170 UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Axtell, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to close a passenger door during a critical phase of flight. 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 reported that during a go-around after a low approach, the left cabin door opened; reaching back to close it led to an aerodynamic stall, resulting in ground impact and fence strikes.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that, during a go-around maneuver following a low approach, the left cabin door opened. The pilot reached back to close the door, and the airplane subsequently entered an aerodynamic stall. Despite efforts, the pilot was unable to recover control, and the airplane impacted the ground, striking multiple fences.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the impact.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotCapability exceeded

Other contributing factors

Related operating infoContributed to outcome
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 2017 CESSNA 170 UNDESIGNAT accident near Axtell, KS?

A pilot reported that during a go-around after a low approach, the left cabin door opened; reaching back to close it led to an aerodynamic stall, resulting in ground impact and fence strikes.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 2017 CESSNA 170 UNDESIGNAT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 2017 involved a CESSNA 170 UNDESIGNAT, at Axtell, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to close a passenger door during a critical phase of flight.

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