Cessna 172 N606JA accident near Phoenix, Arizona

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper landing flare and failure to maintain the runway heading, which resulted in the loss of airplane control, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a go-around with a crosswind, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent impact with a pole.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that, while the student pilot was making a soft-field landing, the airplane's nose was high, and the student chose to go around before touchdown. The airplane did not climb and drifted left. The instructor assumed control of the airplane and attempted to correct by pitching the nose down, adding full power, and decreasing flaps to 20°. However, the airplane did not climb or accelerate and continued to drift left. Subsequently, the airplane touched down and bounced on the gravel infield, entered the ramp area, and impacted a light pole.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings.

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

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 20 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 180° at 4 knots. The student was landing the airplane on runway 7L.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA375 for the full record.