Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around in dark night conditions.
NTSB 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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA645 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Branson, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- M. Graham Clark Downtown Arpt. (PLK)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Cessna 177B
- N-number
- N34722
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.