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Pilot Conducts Visual Approach to Turf Runway, Bounces, Strikes Fence, and Stalls During Go-Around

Harlan, IA, United States

On May 16, 2018, a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Harlan, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s late go-around during a bounced landing, which led to an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. 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

During a visual approach to a turf runway, the airplane bounced on touchdown. The pilot initiated a late go-around, struck a fence, then attempted to avoid trees, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and inverted landing with tail damage.

Approach and Touchdown

The pilot flew a visual approach to a 1,712-foot-long by 120-foot-wide turf runway. During touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot reported feeling out of control.

Go-Around and Obstacle Strike

The pilot executed a late go-around. During this maneuver, the airplane struck a fence at the end of the airport property, which slowed the airplane.

Maneuver and Stall

Due to approaching trees, the pilot attempted to make a turn. This turn resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Subsequent Impact

The airplane subsequently impacted terrain and came to rest inverted. The impact damaged the tail.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 2018 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident near Harlan, IA?

During a visual approach to a turf runway, the airplane bounced on touchdown. The pilot initiated a late go-around, struck a fence, then attempted to avoid trees, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and inverted landing with tail damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 2018 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 2018 involved a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES, at Harlan, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s late go-around during a bounced landing, which led to an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

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