Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177B near Branson, MO — 2012-09-20

Final reportCEN12LA645
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Date
2012-09-20
Location
Branson, MO, USA
Airport
PLK
Aircraft
CESSNA 177B
Registration
N34722
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around in dark night conditions.

NTSB narrative

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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier to avoid loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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