Skyhawk Pilot Finds He Can't Climb on Full Flaps

A low-time (128 hours TT) British 172 pilot found out the hard way that the Skyhawk, able as it is, simply can't climb out with lots of flap extension, as a recently-released UK report shows:

The aircraft commenced a normal approach, using full flap, to grass Runway 24 at Deanland Airfield, which is 500 metres long and 27 metres wide. After touchdown, the pilot reported that retardation from the brakes was poor so he decided to apply full power and execute a go-around. The aircraft, however, only climbed to approximately 60 feet before the left wing dropped and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. The left wing hit the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled across the apron, hitting two hangers in the process. Two witnesses to the accident managed, with difficulty, to extract the pilot from the wreckage and although the fuel tanks were ruptured, there was no fire.

Examination of the wreckage showed the flaps were at approximately 40°; the full or nearly fully extended position. This flap setting is normally used for approaches onto short runways but is never used for takeoff. Normal practice when executing a touch and go is to apply full power and reduce the flap setting to a take-off position before getting airborne again.

FMI: www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/bulletin/jan03/gaspi.htm