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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

August 29, 2004 · Cessna 177 · N2975X

Warrenton, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Warrenton, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N2975X
Operator
Gordon C Alling
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04CA200

While on final approach, the airplane was too low, and the pilot increased engine power to correct. However, the pilot overcorrected, and the airplane landed long. The pilot then attempted to abort the landing by adding full power, and fully retracting the flaps. During the attempt, the airplane's empennage struck an embankment, separated, and the airplane came to rest upright at the departure end of the runway. Review of an owner's manual for the make and model airplane revealed that the flaps should have been retracted half-way during an aborted landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incorrect aborted landing procedure, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 29, 2004, about 1115 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177, N2975X, was substantially damaged while landing at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport (W66), Warrenton, Virginia. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Shannon Airport (EZF), Fredericksburg, Virginia. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he flew a traffic pattern approach for runway 14; a 4,103-foot-long, 60-foot-wide, asphalt runway. While on final approach, the airplane was too low, and the pilot increased engine power to correct. The pilot further stated that he overcorrected, crossed the threshold high, and landed long. The pilot then attempted to abort the landing by adding full power, and fully retracting the flaps. During the attempt, the airplane's empennage struck an embankment, separated, and the airplane came to rest upright at the departure end of the runway. Review of a Cessna 177 Owner's Manual revealed: "Balked Landing (Go-Around)... Wing Flaps - Retract to 1/2." The reported wind at an airport approximately 12 miles northeast of the accident site, at 1055, was from 210 degrees at 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EDT
Nearest AirportWarrenton-Fauquier Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length4106 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN2975X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGordon C Alling
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 5 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data