While executing a go-around at about 1433 Mountain time, the airplane entered a rapid vertical descent and collided with the ground. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed. Multiple witnesses stated winds were very strong from the south. They observed the airplane attempt to land on Runway 26. It bounced a couple of times and had difficulty staying aligned with the runway. It became airborne again, crabbing into the wind as it gained altitude and climbing to 150-200 feet. It then turned north, the nose pitched down and it descended vertically to the ground.
June 1, 2011, Wendover, Utah, Cessna 172R
While executing a go-around at about 1433 Mountain time, the airplane entered a rapid vertical descent and collided with the ground. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed, fatally injuring the private pilot and three passengers, after entering a rapid vertical descent during a go-around attempt.
- The incident occurred after the aircraft struggled to land on Runway 26 amidst very strong winds, bouncing and having difficulty maintaining alignment.
- After initiating the go-around and climbing to 150-200 feet, witnesses observed the plane turn north, pitch down, and descend vertically to the ground.
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