Casualties unknown

2004-08-29: Cessna 177 (N2975X) — Gordon C. Alling — Warrenton, VA

Warrenton, VA, US

On August 29, 2004, a Cessna 177 (registration N2975X) operated by Gordon C. Alling was involved in an aviation accident near Warrenton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's incorrect aborted landing procedure, which resulted in a collision with terrain. 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

During final approach, the airplane was too low. The pilot increased power but overcorrected, landing long. Aborting with full power and full flap retraction led to empennage striking an embankment and separating.

Event Description

While on final approach, the airplane descended too low. The pilot increased engine power to correct the trajectory, but overcorrected, causing the airplane to land long on the runway. Subsequently, the pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and fully retracting the flaps. During this maneuver, the airplane's empennage struck an embankment, separated from the fuselage, and the airplane came to rest upright at the departure end of the runway.

Procedural Reference

Review of the owner's manual for the make and model of airplane involved states that during an aborted landing, the flaps should be retracted only halfway, not fully.

Damage

The empennage separated from the airplane following the impact with the embankment. The extent of other damage is not specified in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040915X01437. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.