N1674E

On June 27, 1996 at 1530 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 172, N1674E, was substantially damaged when the aircraft made an emergency landing into the trees along runway 22(2953' x 57' asphalt), at the Blackhawk Airport, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. The student pilot, who was on his second solo flight, was attempting a go around when the accident occurred. The pilot sustained minor injuries in the accident. VFR conditions prevailed at the time of the 14 CFR part 91 flight, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement on NTSB form 6120.1/2 the pilot reported that during landing "the plane seemed like it was being pulled to the left." N1674E went off the left side of runway 22, and skid marks on the runway appeared to follow the path of the airplane. The pilot reported that after the airplane went off the left side of the runway he decided to attempt a go around. The pilot reported that after the airplane lifted off, it was near stall speed. He did not believe the airplane would clear the trees on the hill in front of the it.

Under the recommendations of how this accident could have been prevented the pilot wrote "initiate go around sooner, and follow the procedures for balked landing as outlined in the P.O.H.".

The airplane was found with the flaps in the retracted position, and the carburetor heat was in the on position. The airplane's nose wheel strut was broken loose from the airplane, and both propeller blades were bent. The wing skins in the wing spar areas were buckled, and the fuselage skins were buckled. No abnormalities were noted, when the airplane's brakes were tested following the accident.