Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was approaching the traffic pattern at his destination airport. A pilot from another airplane announced they were taking off from the same runway as the intended landing. After takeoff, the other airplane entered the downwind leg ahead of the pilot. The pilot got distracted by the other airplane now ahead of him and forgot to complete the before landing checklist. He subsequently landed without extending the landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA213 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 18, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Statesville, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Statesville Regional Airport (SVH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177RG
- N-number
- N177BT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.