On August 17, 1991, a Cessna 177 (registration N30258) operated by David A. Wagner was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND (ABORTED LANDING) AND HIS IMPROPER RAISING OF THE FLAPS. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, TAILWIND, AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around, a pilot retracted flaps fully at once instead of gradually, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway. Insufficient runway remained to stop, and the aircraft continued off the end, striking a perimeter fence.
Approach and Go-Around
A pilot entered a traffic pattern to land on runway 29, despite the wind being from 060 degrees at 8 knots. At the same time, another aircraft was in a pattern to land on runway 11. On approach with full flaps, the pilot reported excessive airspeed and decided to execute a go-around.
Flap Retraction and Descent
Instead of retracting the flaps gradually, the pilot retracted them all at once and attempted to climb. The aircraft did not climb but instead settled back onto the runway. By that time, the remaining runway length was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a stop.
Runway Excursion
The aircraft continued off the end of the runway and struck the perimeter fence. The density altitude at the airport was reported to be approximately 5,000 feet.