No fatalities

3 Jun 2011: CESSNA 177 — My Air, LLC — Boone, NC

Boone, NC, United States

On 3 Jun 2011, a CESSNA 177 operated by My Air, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Boone, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in executing a go-around. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a porpoising landing on arrival at a private airstrip, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with a ditch that collapsed the nose landing gear. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane.

Background

The pilot had previously flown into the private airstrip with an instructor in March 2011; that flight was uneventful.

Flight and Approach

After departing on the accident date, the pilot flew to the destination airstrip. While overflying the airstrip, he noted the wind was light, with a maximum of 5 knots, coming from approximately 90 degrees to the right of the runway, or from 040 degrees. He entered the downwind leg for runway 31, which is a 2,100-foot-long asphalt runway. He then turned onto base leg and final approach.

During the approach, the flaps were fully extended. The pilot maintained an indicated airspeed of 80 miles per hour (mph) on final approach, though his typical indicated airspeed on final approach was 70 mph. He reported being "a little high" on final approach.

Landing and Accident

During the flare, the airplane nosed up and began porpoising. The first touchdown point was approximately one-quarter of the way down the runway. The pilot added full power in an attempt to recover, but there was insufficient runway remaining. The airplane subsequently landed in a field to the right side of the runway, then collided with a ditch while traveling at an estimated 20 to 30 mph. The collision collapsed the nose landing gear.

Post-Accident Statement

The pilot stated that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintained