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May 2, 2021 · Cessna 172S NO Series · N1089D

Martinsville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Martinsville, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172S NO Series (2006)
Tail Number
N1089D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA202

The pilot reported that during a visual approach to land in gusting crosswind conditions, while on “short final”, the airplane was high and full flaps were added. The airplane continued to be “high and slow on the round out” so he initiated a go-around maneuver. During the go-around, the pilot applied full power, however the airplane continued to sink and slow which resulted in a tail strike and runway excursion to the left off the runway into the grass. The fuselage and engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper pitch control during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a tail strike and a runway excursion.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during a visual approach to land in gusting crosswind conditions, while on “short final”, the airplane was high and full flaps were added. The airplane continued to be “high and slow on the round out” so he initiated a go-around maneuver. During the go-around, the pilot applied full power, however the airplane continued to sink and slow which resulted in a tail strike and runway excursion to the left off the runway into the grass. The fuselage and engine mount sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:38 EDT
Nearest AirportBlue Ridge (0nm NNE)
Runway13/3
Runway Length5002 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S NO Series
Tail NumberN1089D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 11 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data