Accident Details
On June 6, 2014, at approximately 0945 central daylight time, a Cessna 177A single-engine airplane, N30537, was substantially damaged during initial climb at Sauk Centre Municipal Airport (D39), Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The pilot and a non-pilot passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight and Pilot Actions
The airplane had departed Winsted Municipal Airport (10D), Winsted, Minnesota, about 0855 and was destined for D39. During the landing at D39, the airplane bounced twice. The pilot then added full power and initiated a go-around. The pilot reported that airspeed became too slow during the initial climb, causing the airplane to begin descending in an uncommanded left turn. The pilot pressed the right rudder in an attempt to correct the left turn and pulled back on the yoke as far as possible. He partially leveled the wings but could not arrest the descent. The airplane impacted terrain in a slightly nose-down attitude and came to rest inverted. There was a slight fuel leak, but no postimpact fire, and both occupants exited the wreckage unassisted.
Aircraft Examination
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, lower fuselage, empennage, and vertical fin. Photos taken soon after the accident showed that the flaps were still fully extended. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
At 0932, the official surface weather observation site at D39 reported wind from 330 degrees at 8 knots, visibility of 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 20 degrees Celsius, dew point temperature 15 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury.
Additional Information
The cockpit checklist and Pilot Operating Handbook for the Cessna 177A state that during a balked landing (go-around) climb, the pilot should apply full throttle smoothly, remove carburetor heat, and reduce wing flaps promptly to 20 degrees. Upon reaching an airspeed of approximately 75 MPH, flaps should be slowly retracted to full up. If obstacles are immediately ahead during the go-around, the wing flaps should be left at 20 degrees until obstacles are cleared.