Probable cause
The student pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around after not applying sufficient engine power.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot was attempting a full-stop landing. The student reported that, when he recognized that the touchdown point was too far down the runway, he initiated a go-around. He added that, during the go-around, he did not apply full power. Due to the low engine power setting, the airplane climbed very slowly. Concerned about trees off the end of the runway, the student initiated a crosswind turn at low altitude and subsequently lost control of the airplane, which then rapidly descended and impacted terrain. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 19, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lowell, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Lowell City Airport (24C)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 172F
- N-number
- N7854U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.