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Casualties unknown

Gyro Failure and Missed Approach Precede Terrain Impact (N11889)

Kansas City, MO, US

On December 7, 1992, a Cessna 177B (registration N11889) operated by Dart, John C. was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB DURING A MISSED APPROACH. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INOPERATIVE GYRO INSTRUMENTS DUE TO A BROKEN VACUUM PUMP, THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND RISING… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an ILS approach with a failed gyro, the pilot executed a missed approach and received no-gyro vectors, but the airplane impacted rising terrain 1/4 mile from the departure end of the runway.

Incident Summary

While en route to his destination at 9,000 feet in level flight, the pilot informed air traffic control that his gyro was inoperative. When asked whether he would require special assistance upon arrival, he declined. During the ILS approach, the pilot was advised of a new visibility of 1/4 mile. He subsequently executed a missed approach and was instructed to climb and maintain 2,500 feet for no-gyro vectors. The airplane then impacted rising terrain approximately 1/4 mile from the departure end of the ILS runway.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the vacuum pump revealed that the rotor was broken. One vane was broken, and two pieces were wedged in one vane slot. The rotor assembly would not rotate.

Pilot Toxicology

Toxicological testing of the pilot showed 33.500 ug/mL of acetaminophen in the urine, along with diphenhydramine. This combination is found in common non-prescription drugs such as 'Buffrin AF Nite Time' and 'Excedrin P.M.'

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 1992 Cessna 177B accident near Kansas City, MO?

During an ILS approach with a failed gyro, the pilot executed a missed approach and received no-gyro vectors, but the airplane impacted rising terrain 1/4 mile from the departure end of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 1992 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N11889, operated by Dart, John C., at Kansas City, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB DURING A MISSED APPROACH. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INOPERATIVE GYRO INSTRUMENTS DUE TO A BROKEN VACUUM PUMP, THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND RISING TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16130. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.