On May 27, 1990, a Cessna 177 (registration N3235T) operated by Ratliff, Gregory E. was involved in an aviation accident near Hazard, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND, WHEN AN UPDRAFT CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO BE HIGH ON FINAL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After diverting for deteriorating weather, a pilot felt an updraft on final approach, touched down long, and overran the runway into a ditch.
Incident Overview
A pilot diverted to an alternate airport after weather at the intended destination began to deteriorate. During the final approach, the pilot experienced an updraft, causing the aircraft to gain approximately 150 feet of altitude. In response, the pilot reduced the throttle to idle and partially raised the flaps to compensate for the wind conditions.
Landing and Runway Overrun
The aircraft touched down roughly halfway down the 3,240-foot runway. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway surface. The airplane continued past the runway end, rolled down an adjacent hill, and subsequently contacted a ditch.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that a go-around should have been attempted instead of accepting the long landing. The pilot also confirmed that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft.