Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Rusk, TX — 2025-03-16

Final reportCEN25LA128
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Date
2025-03-16
Location
Rusk, TX, USA
Airport
JSO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N52243
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control and adequate airspeed during the go-around, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the landing approach was stable, but during landing flare, he lost control of the airplane. The airplane pulled to the right and then to the left. The pilot attempted to regain airplane control but felt it was unsafe to continue with the landing, so he attempted a go-around at which time the airplane was near the left side of the runway. The pilot continued the go-around because the airplane was headed toward a tree line with too much power and momentum to attempt a landing. As the airplane approached the tree line, the pilot increased the airplane’s pitch attitude to climb above the trees, but the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane stalled and impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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