# NTSB CEN12LA645: Cessna 177B, N34722, Branson, MO, September 20, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 19, 2012, 20:35 local (Sep 20, 2012, 01:35 UTC) - Place: Branson, MO - Coordinates: 36.625278, -93.224998 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6253&lon=-93.2250&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 5, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Kansas City FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 85092 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN12LA645 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/85092/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85092 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA645 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around in dark night conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Light condition: dark](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel; cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 448 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR go-around: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR go-around: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The accident occurred as the pilot attempted to make a night landing to a lighted runway. The pilot reported that he performed a go-around because the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway centerline; however, he was unable to maintain airplane control after losing external visual references in the dark night conditions. The airplane impacted the runway and a visual approach slope indicator before it descended into a steep wooded ravine. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative On September 19, 2012, about 2035 central daylight time, a Cessna model 177B airplane, N34722, was substantially damaged while landing at M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport (PLK), Branson, Missouri. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Kimberling Flying Club, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Mountain View Airport (MNF), Mountain View, Missouri, about 1938.The pilot reported that the airplane drifted right of the extended runway centerline during final approach to runway 12 (3,738 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). He stated that he over-corrected for the right drift, which resulted in the airplane being left of the runway centerline. He reported that he then performed a go-around because the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway; however, he was unable to maintain airplane control after losing external visual references in the dark night condition. The airplane impacted a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) located off the left side of the runway before it descended into a steep wooded ravine. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An examination of the runway, completed by the airport manager following the accident, revealed several slash-markings that were consistent with the airplane propeller striking the pavement before it impacted the VASI and descended into the wooded ravine. The airport manager reported that the runway's medium intensity edge lighting and runway end identifier lights were operational at the time of the accident. The pilot reported having 633 hours of flight experience in airplanes, of which 80 hours were flown at night. He had accumulated 2.6 hours of night experience during the previous 90 days. The accident flight, about 1 hour in duration, was the only night flight reported within the previous 30 days. The pilot was not instrument rated. The closest weather observing station was located at the Branson Airport (BBG), about 7 miles south of the accident site. At 2045, the BBG automated surface observing system reported: wind 150 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 25,000 feet above ground level, temperature 17 degrees Celsius, dew point 10 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of mercury. The United States Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department reported that the sunset and end of civil twilight at PLK was at 1914 and 1939, respectively. The moon phase was a waxing crescent with 17-percent of the moon's visible disk illuminated. The moonset occurred about 57 minutes after the accident at 2132. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N34722](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34722-2022-04-02), registration cancelled 2022-04-02, S/N 17701959, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 177B - Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17701959 - Airframe hours: 2199 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1F6D 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 18, 2011 - Departed: MNF, Mountain View, MO - Destination: PLK, Branson, MO - Airport: PLK, M. Graham Clark Downtown Arpt., runway 12, 3,738 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 26, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 633 total, 598 in this make and model, 534 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 150° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: BBG, 6 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20120919022549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120919022549A), Sep 19, 2012: Cessna 177B, Branson, MO, Substantial damage. Pilot made a hard landing left of the centerline of runway 12, resulting in a prop strike. He executed a late go-around, but lost control of the aircraft,… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 26, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85092. 665 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 252 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400580&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum of Conversation with Pilot, Jerald Chaffin (item 2, .PDF, 61 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400586&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Conversation%20with%20Pilot,%20Jerald%20Chaffin-Master.PDF - Memorandum of Conversation with Airport Manager, Mark Parent (item 3, .PDF, 122 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400582&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Conversation%20with%20Airport%20Manager,%20Mark%20Parent-Master.PDF - FAA Airport Facility Directory Entry (KPLK) (item 4, .PDF, 104 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400583&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Airport%20Facility%20Directory%20Entry%20(KPLK)-Master.PDF - Weather Reports (item 5, .PDF, 91 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400584&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports-Master.PDF - Sun and Moon Data provided by the US Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department (item 6, .PDF, 35 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400585&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Sun%20and%20Moon%20Data%20provided%20by%20the%20US%20Naval%20Observatory%20Astronomical%20Applications%20Department-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.