No fatalities

Pilot Reports Sudden Pitch and Yaw During Landing Leading to Tree Impact

DePere, WI, United States

On August 14, 2018, a Cessna 172 M was involved in an aviation accident near DePere, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control and his subsequent failure to maintain the runway heading during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with trees. 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 landing, the airplane touched down and suddenly pitched and lifted to the right. During a go-around, it turned left, impacted trees, spun, and dropped. Substantial fuselage damage; no mechanical issues reported.

Event Description

The pilot reported that during the landing sequence, the airplane touched down on the runway and suddenly experienced an uncommanded pitch and lateral motion to the right. In response, the pilot added power to initiate a go-around. However, as the airplane climbed, it turned sharply to the left, deviating from the intended flight path. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees, entered a spin, and descended to the terrain below.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The extent of other damage was not specified in the report.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No further details regarding the cause of the uncommanded pitch and yaw were provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedHeading/course — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Aug 2018 Cessna 172 M accident near DePere, WI?

During landing, the airplane touched down and suddenly pitched and lifted to the right. During a go-around, it turned left, impacted trees, spun, and dropped. Substantial fuselage damage; no mechanical issues reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Aug 2018 Cessna 172 M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Aug 2018 involved a Cessna 172 M, at DePere, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control and his subsequent failure to maintain the runway heading during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with trees.