Cessna 172 | N739GV

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the student pilot attempted a go-around following an un-stabilized approach to runway 09L, where she added full power about half way down the 3800 foot runway, but did not retract the flaps, and did not lower the nose. The torque and left turning tendency pulled the aircraft to the left towards trees where it became necessary to raise the nose further in order to not hit the trees. The aircraft did stall and impacted trees where it caught fire immediately upon impact. The flaps were found in the full extended position. There was more than ample flat unobstructed clear way for flight on runway heading.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed
and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft, and all flight instructors be conditioned in the surprise go go around scenario, and that both teach and rehearse the amount of push and sight picture required during this scenario. CFI’s should not allow any student to solo prior to their becoming extremely proficient in surprise go around from in the flare, fully trimmed for landing.