Probable cause
The pilot's improper approach to landing and his failure to perform a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun.
NTSB analysis
During a local orientation flight, the pilot turned to final approach with "a little too much altitude," but the pilot did not perform a go-around. The airplane landed long down the runway, overran the end of the runway, and impacted a ditch, which damaged the forward fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17CA218 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 26, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Plainwell, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Plainwell Municipal Airport (61D)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177
- N-number
- N30462
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.