20 Jan 2018: CESSNA 172P P

20 Jan 2018: CESSNA 172P P — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Cloverdale, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the approach and his delayed decision to go around.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The private pilot reported that he intended to make 2 full-stop landings before returning to his home base. The pilot entered the traffic pattern and announced his position as he maneuvered to final approach. The pilot stated that the approach was stable, but appeared to be short. He added power and adjusted the pitch for the projected touchdown point beyond the displaced threshold. When the airplane was over the displaced threshold, stability of the approach was lost. The pilot suspected a swirl of wind or updraft was encountered as the wing raised more than he expected from previous landings at this airport. The pilot tried to regain the runway centerline and level the wings, however he was unsuccessful. The pilot then made a radio transmission that he was going around. Power was applied and the flaps were raised (intention was 20o, however postaccident, the flap position was fully retracted). The airplane rolled to the left and contacted the ground; coming to rest inverted off the side of the runway.

The airplane was substantially damaged.

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

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 340/09kt, vis 10sm

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