Casualties unknown

1989-05-27: Cessna 177 (N13630) — Ronald Stiles — Indian Trail, NC

Indian Trail, NC, US

On May 27, 1989, a Cessna 177 (registration N13630) operated by Ronald Stiles was involved in an aviation accident near Indian Trail, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to abort the landing after bouncing on the runway, which resulted in the aircraft striking utility wires located near the departure end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft bounced three times after landing on a short runway, prompting the pilot to abort the landing. During the go-around, the plane struck utility wires and crashed.

What happened

The accident occurred following a landing attempt on a runway with a length of approximately 2,300 feet. Wind conditions at the time were calm. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced three distinct bounces before coming to rest momentarily on the pavement. Observing the unstable approach and the short remaining runway distance, the pilot made the decision to abort the landing and initiate a go-around.

During the initial climb phase of the aborted landing, the aircraft encountered overhead utility lines that were marked but located approximately 450 feet from the departure end of the runway. The aircraft struck the top wire of these lines, which caused a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed to the ground in the vicinity of the obstruction.

The investigation

Post-acc examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have contributed to the accident. There were no reports of any technical issues prior to the landing attempt. The physical damage was consistent with the impact with the utility wires and the subsequent ground collision.

Findings

The primary factors leading to the accident were the pilot's decision to continue the landing on a short runway without adequate margin for error, resulting in multiple bounces, and the subsequent execution of an aborted landing that resulted in contact with overhead obstacles. The location of the utility lines relative to the departure end of the runway presented a hazard during the go-around maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to abort the landing after bouncing on the runway, which resulted in the aircraft striking utility wires located near the departure end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28246. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.