Event CEN14LA279

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". 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Angle of attack-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• F Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - F
• F Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Configuration-Incorrect use/operation - F