Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Martinsville, VA — 2021-05-02

Final reportERA21LA202
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Date
2021-05-02
Location
Martinsville, VA, USA
Airport
MTV
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N1089D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper pitch control during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a tail strike and a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a visual approach to land in gusting crosswind conditions, while on “short final”, the airplane was high and full flaps were added. The airplane continued to be “high and slow on the round out” so he initiated a go-around maneuver. During the go-around, the pilot applied full power, however the airplane continued to sink and slow which resulted in a tail strike and runway excursion to the left off the runway into the grass. The fuselage and engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2