Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Fredericksburg, TX — 2023-04-17

Final reportCEN23LA159
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Date
2023-04-17
Location
Fredericksburg, TX, USA
Airport
T82
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N478SP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around resulting in abnormal contact with the runway pavement and a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that when she checked the weather inbound to the airport, the wind was reported as calm. However, the wind may have shifted resulting in a tailwind on final approach. When it became apparent that the airplane was going to land long, she added full power to attempt a go-around. However, the airplane porpoised, the nose landing gear struck the runway and collapsed, and the airplane veered left and departed the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. She noted that initiating the go-around earlier may have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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