16 Sep 2017: CESSNA 172 N

16 Sep 2017: CESSNA 172 N — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Lynchburg, VA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in an aborted go-around, an aerodynamic stall, and a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing the airplane approached with "extra speed" and ballooned in the landing flare. He added that, "instantly my training took over" and he applied power to go-around, but then also remembered you "cannot go around" when landing in this direction, at this airport, due to terrain and obstacles. He further added that, he then reduced power to idle and "stalled the airplane to the ground" and impacted the remining runway hard. Subsequently, he taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident.

The ailerons, wings, and firewall sustained substantial damage.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that he had flown into this airport numerous times prior to the accident and knew that, "once you get to the powerlines you are committed to landing." The power lines were located about one 1/4 nautical miles from the runway threshold.

The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement for the airport stated in part: "Land Rwy [runway] 28 (west) tkf [takeoff] Rwy [runway] 10 (east). The pilot reported that the landing was on runway 28.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Capability exceeded
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 350/03kt, vis 10sm

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