Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
Witnesses who saw the accident airplane depart stated that it entered a 90° bank after becoming airborne. The airplane’s left wing struck the ground and the airplane cartwheeled and was consumed by a postimpact fire. The pilot told a responding law enforcement officer that he “lost it on the takeoff,” but later could not recall the accident.
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation at the time of impact. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21FA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Great Valley, New York
- Nearest airport
- Great Valley Airport (N56)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177B
- N-number
- N24RG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.