This June 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 150.
Location: Greensboro, Ga.
Injuries: 2 Minor.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land when a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right of the runway. Attempts to get the airplane back over the centerline were unsuccessful, so she decided to do a go-around. She applied full power but did not retract the flaps. The flaps were still set at 40°. The airplane slammed into the ground, bounced, and came to rest nose-down on the pavement.
Probable cause: The failure to retract the flaps during a go-around, which resulted in a stall, uncontrolled descent, and an impact with terrain.
