Cessna 172S N52243 accident near Rusk, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control and adequate airspeed during the go-around, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the landing approach was stable, but during landing flare, he lost control of the airplane. The airplane pulled to the right and then to the left. The pilot attempted to regain airplane control but felt it was unsafe to continue with the landing, so he attempted a go-around at which time the airplane was near the left side of the runway. The pilot continued the go-around because the airplane was headed toward a tree line with too much power and momentum to attempt a landing. As the airplane approached the tree line, the pilot increased the airplane’s pitch attitude to climb above the trees, but the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane stalled and impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA128 for the full record.