Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to attempt a gear-up glide to the runway and his subsequent failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use a checklist before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the retractable-landing gear-equipped airplane reported that he "decided to attempt a gear up glide" to the runway. He recalled that he became fixated on reaching the runway and forgot to extend the landing gear. The airplane touched down and skidded to a stop on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage bulkheads.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot recommended adhering to checklists.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA017 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albermarle, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Stanly County (VUJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177RG
- N-number
- N52881
- 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.