Cessna 172 N12194 accident near Lakewood, New Jersey

Probable cause

The pilot’s delay in performing a go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees at the end of the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he flew uneventfully over the local area and was returning to the departure airport. He was attempting to land on a 2,987-ft-long runway with a 9-knot right-quartering crosswind. The airplane was high during the first approach and the pilot performed a go-around. During the second approach, the airplane was high again and fast. The pilot attempted a slip, but the airplane was still fast and floated longer above the runway than anticipated. The pilot initiated a second go-around but was too far down the runway and was unable to clear trees at the end of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and the ground. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA081 for the full record.