Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB DFW08LA161
CESSNA 150M — Forrest City, AR
| Date | June 7, 2008 |
| Location | Forrest City, AR |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 150M |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Approach-VFR go-around Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 87 |
| Pilot total time | Unknown |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1, 1 serious |
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall.
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
What happened
The private pilot executed a go-around maneuver at his destination airport and began a climb to enter the downwind leg for another landing. Witnesses reported that the airplane climbed at a "steep pitch angle" during the go-around maneuver. When the airplane aligned itself with the downwind heading, it was observed to suddenly descended into terrain. Evidence at the accident site indicated that the impact with the ground occurred in a left bank and a steep nose down attitude, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. The pilot could not recall what happened after the approach to land. No evidence was found of a preimpact mechanical malfunction with the airframe, engines, or systems.