NTSB Factual Report

On April 25, 2001, at 2220 central daylight time, a Cessna 172G single-engine airplane, N3860L, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees following a loss of control on landing at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual. Bright night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from Crossett, Arkansas, approximately 2100.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site and spoke with the pilot, the airplane was on final approach, and the pilot "flared too high" and experienced a high sink rate. The pilot applied power; however, it was "too late and the airplane impacted the runway hard and bounced." The airplane landed on the runway, veered off of the runway, and impacted trees.

The FAA inspector stated that the wings, lift struts, and landing gear sustained structural damage.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), under the section titled "Recommendations (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented)," the pilot wrote "initiate go-around sooner."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's delayed go-around on landing.