Primary finding
Probable cause
The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
On final approach to the runway, the pilot had difficulty maintaining centerline on the 15-foot-wide runway. The pilot requested assistance from the certified flight instructor (CFI) who directed a go-around. After the pilot began the go-around procedures, the CFI took control of the airplane and reduced the flap setting. The airplane was flown in ground effect as the airplane drifted to the left of the runway. The airplane was not at a safe flying airspeed to maneuver away from a gazebo and windsock. The airplane's left wing collided with the gazebo and the right wing collided with the windsock. The CFI performed a forced landing and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airframe sustained substantial crushing damage to both wings and the forward fuselage, including the firewall. A postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 2, 2011, at 0947 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N4914V, impacted structures during a go around at the Owl Canyon Gliderport (4CO2), Wellington, Colorado. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot were not injured. The airplane sustained crushing damage to the left wing and buckling of the forward fuselage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by G&M Aviation Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL), Loveland, Colorado at 0915. In statements provided by the private pilot, while on the final approach leg to a 15-foot wide runway, she was having difficulty maintaining runway alignment and approach airspeed due to the shifting wind direction. The CFI directed a go-around and the private pilot began the go-around procedures to include raising the landing gear. The CFI took control of the airplane, retracted the flaps to 10 degrees and attempted to get the airplane to climb. The airplane continued flying in ground effect and drifted left of the runway. The private pilot reported that the airplane was in ground effect and did not have enough performance to maneuver away from a gazebo that was located approximately 145 feet from the runway centerline. The airplane's left wing collided with the gazebo and the right wing collided with the windsock. The CFI performed a forced landing on the airport property and the airplane slid to a stop on its belly. An examination of the airframe and engine by a responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact anomalies which would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.