Cessna 172M N61761 accident near Solon Springs, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while landing on the runway, the airplane bounced and then settled on the runway. The pilot felt that she did not have adequate runway remaining to safely conduct a go-around and attempted to stop on the remaining runway. The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway surface. The nosewheel struck a pile of snow, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that the airplane had no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if a go-around were initiated earlier on the approach.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA138 for the full record.