Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Carthage, NC — 2026-03-01

Final reportERA26LA143
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Date
2026-03-01
Location
Carthage, NC, USA
Airport
BQ1
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N972WW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while on final approach for landing. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to gain experience with soft and short field landings with a flight instructor. The pilot stated that after departing, they proceeded to a nearby airport, whose runway was about 2,500 ft-long by 36 ft-wide. After completing a successful landing, they remained in the pattern for another short field landing. While on final approach, the airplane was too far to the right of the runway centerline. At an altitude of about 50 to 60 ft above ground level, the airplane’s right wing struck the tops of trees that were close the runway edge and were difficult to see due to the position of the sun. After impacting the trees, the pilot performed a go-around. The airplane operated normally and the pilot and the instructor decided to return to an airport with longer runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing had sustained substantial damage. Both the pilot and the instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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