# NTSB CEN14LA279: Cessna 177A, N30537, Sauk Centre, MN, June 6, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 6, 2014, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC) - Place: Sauk Centre, MN - Coordinates: 45.706665, -94.938056 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7067&lon=-94.9381&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report February 3, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Minneapolis FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 89390 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN14LA279 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89390/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89390 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA279 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to retract the flaps after beginning the go-around. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/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 177A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: configuration](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017/cases.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 80 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Other: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) - [Post-impact: Cabin safety event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110); cases with it: [Cessna 177A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110/sequence.md?model=2073706), [All aircraft, 151 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, after a bounced landing, he added full power and began a go-around. The airspeed was insufficient to climb the airplane, and it began descending and banking in an uncommanded left turn. The pilot applied right rudder and pulled back on the yoke as far as he could, but the airplane nosed down, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The Pilot's Operating Handbook stated that, in the event of a go-around, the pilot should promptly reduce the flaps to 20 degrees then accelerate to 75 mph and slowly retract the flaps to the full-up position. Photos taken soon after the accident showed that the flaps were still fully extended. The uncommanded bank and pitch down is indicative of an aerodynamic stall. ## Factual narrative On June 6, 2014, about 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 (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan had not been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane had departed Winsted Municipal Airport (10D), Winsted, Minnesota, about 0855 and was destined for D39. The airplane bounced twice during the landing at D39 so the pilot added full power and began a go-around. The pilot reported that the airspeed got too slow during the initial climb and the airplane began descending in an uncommanded left turn. During that time the pilot was pressing on the right rudder in an attempt to correct the left turn and he was pulling back on the yoke as far as he could. The pilot was partially able to level the wings, but was unable to 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 the two occupants were able to exit the wreckage unassisted. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, lower fuselage, empennage, and vertical fin. Photos taken soon after the accident showed 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. At 0932, the official surface weather observation site at D39 reported wind from 330 degrees at 8 knots, visibility of 10 miles, and clear of clouds, temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (C), and a dew point temperature of 15 degrees C, with an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of Mercury. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The cockpit checklist and Pilot Operating Handbook for the Cessna 177A states that: "In a balked landing (go-around) climb, 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 the full up position. If obstacles are immediately ahead during the go-around, the wing flaps should be left at 20 degrees until obstacles are cleared". ## Aircraft - Registration: [N30537](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30537-2018-05-30), registration cancelled 2018-05-30, S/N 17701309, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 177A - Registry model: [Cessna 177A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177a) (registry code 2073706) (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: 17701309 - Year built: 1968 - Airframe hours: 1336 - Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A2F 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 2013, 12 hours before - Departed: 10D, Winsted, MN - Destination: D39, Sauk Centre, MN - Airport: D39, Sauk Centre Muni, runway 32, 3,296 × 60 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 75; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2013; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 3,300 total, 300 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: KD39 ## 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 20140606008259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140606008259A), Jun 6, 2014: Cessna 177A, Sauk Centre, MN, Substantial damage. While attempting to land on runway 32 at Sauk Centre, MN airport (D39) aircraft bounced twice. Pilot decided to initiate a go around after second bounce. On… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 28, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89390. 4.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 756 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435230&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Summary of Findings (item 2, .PDF, 74 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435231&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Summary%20of%20Findings-Master.PDF - Map (item 3, .PDF, 110 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435232&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Map-Master.PDF - Cockpit Checklist and POH Selected Pages (item 4, .PDF, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435233&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cockpit%20Checklist%20and%20POH%20Selected%20Pages-Master.PDF - Photo (item 5, .PDF, 1 photo, 239 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435234&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-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.