Probable cause
The student pilot improperly raised the flaps during the go-around, did not maintain airspeed, and stalled the airplane. The trees were a factor.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that there was a moderate crosswind when he was attempting to land so he executed a go-around. During the go-around, he raised the flaps. He reported that taking out 2 notches of flaps caused the airplane to lose too much altitude and "the plane stalled as I pulled back on the yoke." The airplane struck several trees and impacted the ground. He reported that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dixon, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Dixon Municipal Airport (C73)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N2108N
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.