Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing after an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, she set up for a normal approach to runway 17. Just before initiating the landing flare, transitioning through an altitude of about 15 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane encountered a wind gust. The left wing lifted to a near vertical attitude and the pilot manipulated the throttle full forward to go-around. The airplane was too low to avoid the trees adjacent to the runway. The wings were substantially damaged when the airplane collided with several trees and came to rest nose-low with the nose gear collapsed. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA311 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kernville, California
- Nearest airport
- Kern Valley (L05)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N728KG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.