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Pilot Reports Landing Gear Issue After Takeoff, Performs Gear-Up Landing

Harrisonville, MO, United States

On September 12, 2017, a CESSNA 177 B was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisonville, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A collision with a deer on the runway during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported hearing a bang and feeling as though the airplane hit a brick wall during takeoff. At 800 ft, he observed the left main landing gear in an abnormal position. He declared an emergency and performed a gear-up landing. The left stabilizer sustained substantial damage.

Incident Overview

During takeoff, the pilot reported hearing a "bang" and described the sensation as "it felt though the airplane hit a brick wall [deer]." The pilot continued the climb and examined the engine instruments, which appeared normal. At approximately 800 ft above ground level, he looked out the left pilot side window and observed that the fixed left main landing gear was "oddly positioned up next to [the] seat/door."

Pilot Actions

The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency. He subsequently performed a "gear up" landing at the destination airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left stabilizer.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 2017 CESSNA 177 B accident near Harrisonville, MO?

A pilot reported hearing a bang and feeling as though the airplane hit a brick wall during takeoff. At 800 ft, he observed the left main landing gear in an abnormal position. He declared an emergency and performed a gear-up landing. The left stabilizer sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 2017 CESSNA 177 B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 2017 involved a CESSNA 177 B, at Harrisonville, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A collision with a deer on the runway during the takeoff roll.

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