Cessna 172 N734HF accident near Hollywood, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to apply full engine power during the initiation of a go-around in gusting wind conditions and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that, during a flight review, the private pilot completed five touch-and-go landings in gusting wind conditions. During the landing flare for the sixth touch-and-go landing, a strong wind gust forced the airplane out of ground effect, and the instructor called for a go-around. During the go-around, the pilot did not add full power, and the instructor took the flight controls; however, the airplane had already stalled. Subsequently, the airplane descended, impacted the left side of the runway, continued off the runway into grass, and nosed over. The right wing and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunction or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA146 for the full record.