NTSB Factual Report

According to the pilot, on short final approach to runway 34 in his 145-horsepower Cessna 172F, he realized that his approach path was too high, so he attempted to go around. After full engine power was applied, he recognized that he had insufficient distance from the approaching trees and terrain to perform a go-around. Therefore, he aborted the maneuver and forced the airplane onto the ground in a clearing beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane impacted the ground hard, breaking wing and fuselage structure. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he was unfamiliar with the airport, and he had not read the Federal Aviation Administration’s published remarks for the airport in its Airport Facility Directory. The remarks state, in pertinent part, that the airport is recommended for use by “mountain proficient pilots using high performance aircraft.” It also states “no go-around due to rising terrain and trees.” Nine thousand foot mountains are located within 5 miles from northwest through southeast of the 5,500-foot mean sea level airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s misjudgment of his final approach path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.