Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate monitoring on the airplane's airspeed during the go-around, resulting in a stall.
NTSB analysis
During the landing flare, about 2-4 feet above the runway, the right wing dropped. The pilot advanced the throttle full forward and attempted a go-around. During the go-around the airspeed decreased below 40 knots, the airplane stalled, and landed hard. The right main landing gear collapsed which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by closely monitoring and maintaining an airspeed above the stall speed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA498 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Indianapolis Executive (KTYQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N45EF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.