Cessna 177 N3142T accident near Boone, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's delay in executing a go-around.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that after departure he proceeded to the destination airstrip and overflew the runway to determine the wind direction and velocity. He entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg, extended the flaps and maintained an airspeed of 80 miles per hour. He said the airplane was a little high on final approach, and the airplane eventually touched down 1/4 way down the runway. He said he added power to abort the landing, but there was not enough runway remaining. The airplane landed in a field, collided with a ditch and the nose gear collapsed. He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA346 for the full record.