Casualties unknown

2000-12-31: Cessna 177 (N29572) — Mesilla Valley Aviation — Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces, NM, US

On December 31, 2000, a Cessna 177 (registration N29572) operated by Mesilla Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to apply excessive back pressure during touchdown, which caused an immediate lift-off and subsequent stall, leading to a loss of control during the attempted go-around. 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

A light aircraft stalled shortly after touchdown during a landing attempt. The pilot initiated a go-around but lost control, causing the plane to leave the runway and enter adjacent terrain.

What happened

The pilot initiated the final approach for landing with full flaps extended. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 4 to 5 feet above the ground, the pilot flared to reduce descent rate. The aircraft touched down smoothly; however, the airspeed remained above the stall speed at that moment. Instead of allowing the nose wheel to settle naturally, the pilot applied significant back pressure on the controls to keep the nose wheel elevated off the runway surface.

This excessive pitch attitude caused the airplane to lift off again immediately after touchdown. The aircraft entered a stall condition and struck the ground, resulting in a bounce. Recognizing the unstable situation, the pilot attempted to abort the landing and execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the airplane lost directional control and swerved off the left side of the runway. The aircraft came to rest in the adjacent sand and brush area outside the paved surface.

The investigation

Examination of the flight dynamics indicates that the primary error occurred during the touchdown phase. By applying back pressure while the airspeed was still above stall, the pilot induced an immediate lift-off rather than a stable rollout. The subsequent attempt to recover via go-around failed due to loss of control during the low-altitude transition.

Findings

The accident sequence was driven by improper technique during the landing flare and touchdown. Maintaining nose-up attitude with excessive back pressure at low speeds contributed directly to the stall and bounce. The failure to maintain runway centerline during the aborted landing resulted in the excursion into off-airport terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to apply excessive back pressure during touchdown, which caused an immediate lift-off and subsequent stall, leading to a loss of control during the attempted go-around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010118X00322. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.