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NTSB investigation record

CEN23LA159

Completed

Cessna 172S· N478SP

Date
April 17, 2023
Location
Fredericksburg, TX
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published October 8, 2024

Primary finding

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around resulting in abnormal contact with the runway pavement and a runway excursion.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

The pilot stated that when she checked the weather inbound to the airport, the wind was reported as calm. However, the wind may have shifted resulting in a tailwind on final approach. When it became apparent that the airplane was going to land long, she added full power to attempt a go-around. However, the airplane porpoised, the nose landing gear struck the runway and collapsed, and the airplane veered left and departed the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. She noted that initiating the go-around earlier may have prevented the accident.

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