On May 23, 1998, a Cessna 177B (registration N1293C) was involved in an aviation accident near Brogue, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing and subsequent go-around, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a balked landing after a nose-gear touchdown on runway 27. The aircraft drifted left during the climb and impacted two small trees before coming to rest in an adjacent cornfield.
What happened
The pilot initiated a landing approach on runway 27, but the airplane touched down with its nose wheel first rather than the main gear. Following this unusual touchdown, the aircraft began to porpoise along the pavement surface. Recognizing the unstable situation, the pilot decided to execute a go-around maneuver, also known as a balked landing.
During the climb-out phase of the go-around, the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway centerline. This lateral deviation caused the aircraft to strike two small trees that were encroaching into the immediate runway environment. After impacting the vegetation, the airplane continued its trajectory until it came to a stop in an adjacent corn field. The final resting position was located approximately 40 feet to the left of the edge of runway 27.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing and subsequent go-around, which resulted in the aircraft striking trees.