Cessna 172 N173LL accident near Kaunakakai, Hawaii

Probable cause

The student pilot’s incorrect flap configuration during the go-around, which resulted in a hard, forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that she was practicing touch-and-go landings on an asphalt runway. She initiated an approach and bounced the landing and then she initiated a go-around. She was airborne when she pushed the carb heat in and applied full throttle "but mistakenly put flaps up, all at once." The airplane descended to the runway and landed hard. During the landing roll, she pulled the throttle back to idle, gained her bearings, and then initiated a takeoff. She noticed a binding and restriction in the elevator and yoke control movements while remaining in the airport's pattern. She declared an emergency and landed the airplane on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator control column.

The manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook identified the Balked Landing procedure as:

1. Throttle – Full Open

2. Carburetor Heat – Cold

3. Wing Flaps –20° (Immediately)

4. Climb Speed – 55 KIAS

5. Wing Flaps – 10° (Until obstacles are cleared) Retract (After reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS)

The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA268 for the full record.