No fatalities

Go-Around Attempt Ends in Stall and Runway Excursion During Flight Review

Hollywood, FL, United States

On April 1, 2020, a Cessna 172 N operated by ICARO LEARN2FLY was involved in an aviation accident near Hollywood, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to apply full engine power during the initiation of a go-around in gusting wind conditions and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, and the flight instructor's… 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 flight review in gusty winds, a private pilot stalled while executing a go-around, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that during a flight review, a private pilot had completed six touch-and-go landings in gusty wind conditions. On a subsequent approach, while the airplane was in the landing flare, a strong wind gust forced the aircraft out of ground effect. The instructor called for a go-around.

Go-Around Execution

During the go-around, the private pilot did not add full power. The instructor took control of the flight controls, but by that time the airplane was already in an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft then descended, rolled to the left, and impacted the left side of the runway.

Post-Impact Sequence

After striking the runway, the airplane continued into the grass and nosed over. The right wing and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Contributing factors

PilotInstructor/check pilotCapability exceededEffect on operation

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Apr 2020 Cessna 172 N accident near Hollywood, FL?

During a flight review in gusty winds, a private pilot stalled while executing a go-around, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Apr 2020 Cessna 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Apr 2020 involved a Cessna 172 N, operated by ICARO LEARN2FLY, at Hollywood, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to apply full engine power during the initiation of a go-around in gusting wind conditions and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.