Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the landing approach was normal. However, during touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the pilot decided to perform a go-around. He applied full power and inadvertently raised the flaps from 30 degrees to zero degrees. As the pilot increased the pitch of the airplane to perform the go-around, the airplane drifted off the left side of the runway and settled into a grassy area. The airplane collided with a tree and sustained substantial damage to the wings and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA270 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 5, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pottstown, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Heritage Field Airport (PTW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N6871H
- 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.