N7872G

On March 14, 2004, about 1605 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, N7872G, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during an aborted landing at the Twitchell Airport (3B5), Turner, Maine. The certificated student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 30, a 2,104-foot long, 50-foot wide, asphalt runway. His first approach was high, and resulted in a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane was "a little high," and touched down further down the runway then he had planned. The airplane bounced and the student pilot initiated an aborted landing. He placed the carburetor heat in, added full power, and retracted the flaps to 20 degrees. The airplane began to climb normally; however, it struck the tops of trees, which were located beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane flipped over and impacted the ground.

A witness observed the airplane on final approach. He stated that the airplane looked high, and the airplane's nose was pointed toward the runway, like "[the pilot] was trying to force it down." The airplane's nose wheel contacted the runway, and the airplane bounced back in the air. After bouncing up, the pilot lowered the nose and appeared to be attempting to land again. The airplane disappeared from his view and was followed by the sound of increasing engine power. He stated that engine sounded like it was at full power. Shortly thereafter, he observed the airplane strike trees.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.

The student pilot reported 134 hours of total flight experience, which included 54 hours of solo flight experience.

Winds reported at an airport located about 9 miles south of 3B5, at 1555, were from 150 degrees at 9 knots, with 15 knot gusts.