Student Pilot Added Engine Power To Execute A Go-Around But Could Not Stop The Airplane’s Left Drift

Location: Cleburne, Texas Accident Number: CEN25LA324
Date & Time: August 13, 2025, 13:00 Local Registration: N654CD
Aircraft: Cirrus Design Corp SR22 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The student pilot stated for the preparation for his initial solo flight, he successfully completed three takeoffs and landings with his flight instructor at the airport that was planned to be used for the solo flight. During the solo flight, the student pilot completed two full stop landings without any issues prior to attempting a third takeoff and landing. The student pilot stated that during the third attempt, the airplane crossed the runway threshold about 82 to 84 kts with full wing flaps. When the airplane crossed over the runway numbers, he reduced the engine power to idle, and the airplane entered a normal float but began to drift left. He tried to arrest the drift with rudder application, but he could not maintain the runway centerline. The student pilot added engine power to execute a go-around but could not stop the airplane’s left drift. The airplane impacted the ground in a left wing and nose down attitude, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, the engine firewall, and the rudder. The student pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane that would have precluded normal airplane operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane directional control during the approach and subsequent go-around.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov