On July 14, 1984, a Cessna 177 (registration N29381) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around after a ballooned landing, the pilot retracted flaps to 1/4 instead of the prescribed 1/2. The aircraft exited the runway, then veered left and struck a parked aircraft near a hangar.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot's account, the landing was executed approximately one third of the way down the runway. The aircraft subsequently ballooned, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around. During the go-around procedure, the pilot retracted the flaps to the 1/4 position. The Pilot Operating Handbook specifies that the flaps should be retracted to 1/2 during a go-around.
Runway Excursion
As the go-around progressed, the aircraft departed the right side of the runway. The pilot then corrected to the left, and the aircraft subsequently collided with a parked aircraft located near a hangar.
Relevant Procedures
The Pilot Operating Handbook provides specific guidance for go-around flap settings, indicating that retraction to 1/2 is the standard procedure. The pilot's selection of 1/4 flaps deviated from this prescribed setting.