NTSB Factual Report

On April 7, 2006, about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M airplane, N64425, registered to and operated by Ramz Enterprises Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, veered off the runway while landing at Vero Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The private-rated pilot and two passengers were not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the same day, about 1750.

The pilot stated that he was cleared to land on runway 11R, and the winds were reported to be from 140 degrees, at a velocity of 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots. He further stated that upon touchdown, everything was fine, but a few seconds later the airplane darted off the runway to the left. He said he made the decision to go around, and added full power in his attempt to perform a go-around, but the airplane did not have sufficient airspeed to become airborne. He said the airplane went through the grass, and hit a "bump", flipping over on its back.

Postcrash examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector did not reveal any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while executing a go-around in gusty conditions which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway, colliding with a ditch and nosing over.