Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Mooresville, NC — 2024-01-14

Final reportERA24LA090
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Date
2024-01-14
Location
Mooresville, NC, USA
Airport
14A
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N512SP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting to land the airplane on a 3,170-ft-long by 40-ft-wide runway and reported that while on final approach he encountered a “heavy gusty crosswind.” The pilot described that after passing a tree line and realizing that he would not be able to land, he attempted a go-around. The last thing the pilot remembered was the airplane impacting trees. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and its empennage structure. Two witnesses to the accident stated that shortly after initiating the go-around, the airplane turned to the left, missing the trees lining the runway, but then impacted trees approximately 500-ft left of the runway centerline within the residential area of the air park community. The witnesses also described that the airplane started the go-around attempt near the midpoint of the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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