What happened
On May 22, 2021, a private pilot operating a Cessna 172S, registration LN-AGT, was conducting a sightseeing flight with two passengers near Reinsvoll Airport, Norway. During the approach to runway 34, the pilot observed a tractor performing maintenance near the runway edge. Concerned that the tractor driver might not see the aircraft, the pilot initiated an aborted landing.
Subsequent landing attempts became increasingly difficult as wind conditions shifted. Over the course of five attempts, the pilot faced changing wind directions and approaching rain showers. On the final attempt, a significant tailwind caused the aircraft to land much further down the runway than intended, resulting in a hard impact and a bounce. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the aircraft was unable to clear the spruce treetops at the end of the runway, striking three trees. Following the collision, the pilot diverted to Hamar Airport, where the aircraft—now suffering from structural damage that caused the elevator to interfere with the horizontal stabilizer—was brought to a controlled landing.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the sequence of events, the pilot'_s experience, and the environmental conditions. The investigation focused on why the go-around failed to clear the obstacles and the impact of the changing weather on the pilot's decision-making. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's recent flight history and training status.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the go-around was initiated too late to allow the aircraft to climb above the trees at the end of the runway.
- A significant tailwind contributed to the aircraft landing too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance for a safe climb.
- The aircraft's weight reduced its potential climb rate, making it harder to clear the terrain.
- The pilot's attention was likely diverted by the tractor near the runway and the cumulative stress of five landing attempts, leading to a failure to notice the shifting wind.
- The pilot had a flight gap of several months and had not completed recommended solo proficiency training at Reinselle Airport prior to the flight.
- No injuries were reported among the three occupants, and no mechanical failures were found in the aircraft.