Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the second low pass over a friend's grass airstrip, the airplane was "low and slow" and unable to maintain altitude. He applied throttle; however, he "got behind the airplane, and it got him." Subsequently, the airplane settled, touched down, and overran the north end of the runway. The airplane then hit a road, became airborne shortly, and came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 28, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marathon, New York
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177
- N-number
- N3224T
- 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.