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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 14, 2004 · Cessna 177 · N3468T

Sturgis, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 14, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sturgis, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N3468T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA076

The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with a runway during an attempted go-around. The pilot reported that on his third practice landing, at approximately 5-10 feet above ground level, he was aligned just left of the center of the runway with the right wing tip slightly down, when he unexpectedly experienced a small gust of wind. The pilot stated that he attempted a go-around by applying full power and retrimming the airplane. The airplane momentarily began to gain altitude but the pilot mistakenly retracted all the flaps. The airplane settled back to the ground and the right wing tip impacted the runway. The pilot stated that he over corrected causing the left wing tip to impact the runway. The airplane exited the runway coming to a full-stop in snow to the east side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent raising of flaps resulting in a loss of lift and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a dragging of the wing.

Full Narrative

On February 14, 2004, about 1724 eastern standard time, a Cessna 177, N3468T, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during an attempted go-around from runway 18 (5,700 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at Kirsch Municipal Airport (IRS), near Sturgis, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at IRS about 1630. The pilot stated that he had performed two crosswind landings successfully. He reported: On the [third] landing at [approximately] 5-10 [feet above ground level] I was set up good with right wing tip slightly down, just to the left of centerline [approximately] 3-4 [feet], when I experienced a small gust. I then attempted a go around, I applied full power, retrimmed and as the plane begin to lift I then mistakenly retracted all flaps. I was forced back down and the right wing tip hit the runway first then I over corrected and the left wing tip hit putting me in the snow on the east side of runway 18. At 1735, the recorded weather at the Branch County Memorial Airport (OEB), approximately 19 nautical miles northeast of the accident airport, near Coldwater, Michigan, was: Wind 250 degrees at 6 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition overcast 4,300 feet; temperature -1 degree C; dew point -6 C; altimeter 29.99 inches of mercury. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction failures. The pilot stated, "I should have only retracted partial flaps 'after' I was clear of the ground."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:24 EST
Nearest AirportKirsch Muni (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length5700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN3468T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time22:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data