No fatalities

10 Oct 2011: CESSNA 177B — GILBERT JEFFREY S — Honesdale, PA

Honesdale, PA, United States

On 10 Oct 2011, a CESSNA 177B operated by GILBERT JEFFREY S was involved in an aviation accident near Honesdale, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s excessive airspeed during final approach and his delayed decision to abort the landing, resulting in the in-flight collision with trees during the 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 reported that during approach to a 2,420-foot runway, his speed was 85-90 mph instead of 70 mph. After touchdown, he realized insufficient runway remained, initiated a go-around, but collided with trees.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an accident while attempting to land on runway 36 of a destination airport. The runway is 2,420 feet long, asphalt, and was dry. According to the pilot's statement, he entered the traffic pattern and configured the flaps to 30 degrees (full down) for final approach. He noted that his airspeed was 85 to 90 miles per hour, which he described as "a little too fast" compared to the target speed of 70 miles per hour.

Go-Around and Collision

The pilot stated that he did not perceive the airplane to float over the runway after touchdown. However, upon landing, he realized that there was insufficient runway remaining to bring the airplane to a stop. He added power to initiate a go-around and raised the flaps incrementally. The engine responded normally. As the airplane became airborne and continued ahead, it collided with trees.

Pilot Observations

The pilot confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the airplane. He further stated that the accident could have been avoided if the approach speed had been correct.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot