Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with rocky terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach he noticed that his instrument panel lights were low, and it was difficult to read their indications. He further stated that he was low and slow and had power applied throughout his descent. The airplane impacted rocky terrain short of the runway and was subsequently destroyed by postcrash fire.
The pilot reported that the airplane had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA310 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 22, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Redlands, California
- Nearest airport
- Redlands Muni (REI)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 177B
- N-number
- N177SX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.