Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 550; Flight Crew Type 300
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Aircraft
Yesterday; I prepared to do some practice soft field TO/LDGs with my student; who is a very good student pilot. We checked the weather and saw no forecasted wind shear or anything that made me feel as if the flight was unsafe. We knew it had rained quite a bit recently; so before attempting the actual soft field; we overflew the airstrip and judged that it was dry enough in order to complete the tasks.We began the flight by practicing 2 soft field takeoffs/landings at [the departure] airport. We then departed the area to the northeast; enroute to ZZZ airport. As stated earlier; we overflew the field and entered a teardrop into the left downwind for runway XX. We made UNICOM calls announcing our arrival and we heard no other aircraft in the vicinity. Our approach was normal as expected. My student put full (40 degrees) flaps down (electrical flaps). We then encountered 2 cases of windshear and my student elected to make a Go-around and I agreed it was a good idea. He added full power; turned the carb heat off and attempted to put the flaps up. I notice that the flap indicator hadn't moved and looked outside and realized we had a real problem. The flaps were stuck at 40 degrees.At this time; I took control of the aircraft and focused solely on maintaining positive control of the aircraft. We struggled to maintain altitude and I recall seeing the VSI reading 0 while we were around 75-80 MPH. So; here we are; following the river at the same altitude as the ridge to our right with trees everywhere. I was very nervous at this point; but did my best to remain calm and control the aircraft as I had been trained to do. We followed the river for about 1.5 NM and I planned to continue following it until we were able to climb or found somewhere to put it down safely. Around 1.5 NM south of ZZZ; I recall seeing the smoke stacks along the left side of the river. Further down the river; I saw power lines draped over the river at our altitude. I knew that we would not be able to make it over those. Moments later; I look to my right and see a break in the tree line over the ridge. Out of the grace of God; a corn field appeared that had a window of maybe .2 NM for me to shoot into it. I immediately began flying towards it. Thankfully; I was able to successfully complete a safe landing. Neither my student nor I were injured to any degree; and the aircraft was in perfect conditions other than some mud and the flaps being stuck. I then called my FBO and they sent the mechanic and 2 pilots out. The mechanic was able to diagnose and fix the problem; we contacted the land owner and he gave us permission to fly it out of the field. The other two pilots flew it back and my student and I rode back with the mechanic in his truck; as we were in shock from believing we might be going down just a couple hours prior. My student did a great job calling out airspeed for me when needed and it definitely contributed to the success of our scenario. When I saw the corn field; I asked him if he thought we should land it. He said yes; and I agreed. I was under very high pressure to fly the aircraft and knew I wouldn't be able to think 100% clearly so I decided to ask for his opinion even though he has limited experience. I learned that Crew Resource Management is a very effective tool; especially in high pressure situations such as this one yesterday.To my understanding; there was an electrical issue with the flaps that resulted in them not retracting properly. I assume it was due to wear and tear of [this slightly older training aircraft]. I am very proud of my student for maintaining a calm; cool and collected demeanor during the entire event. Had he been freaking out; it may have caused me to as well and who knows what would have happened. I am very proud of my piloting skills and quick decision making during this entire event as well. Together; we made the assessment that landing in the corn field was the best possible action andlooking back; I still believe it.
C172 flight instructor reported a go around and off-field landing due to flaps being stuck full down.