Cessna 177 N13430 accident near Cascade, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper approach, which resulted in a faster than normal touchdown and subsequent runway overrun.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during his first landing attempt at the back-country airport, the airplane was too high on the approach, so he performed a go-around. He flew a longer final approach to prepare for the second landing attempt. After touchdown, the airplane was traveling too fast to stop before the end of the runway. The pilot said he “pulled up” to avoid vehicles parked at the departure end of the runway; however, the airplane did not attain sufficient altitude to clear the obstacles. The nose landing gear and lower fuselage struck an unoccupied parked vehicle, and the left wing subsequently struck a signpost. The airplane rotated about 180° and came to rest about 200 ft beyond the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot sustained a minor injury, and the passenger sustained a serious injury.

The pilot further stated that he likely encountered a tailwind during the landing attempt. He noted that the density altitude and tight canyon operating environment were not familiar to him; that he did not verify the airplane’s ground speed using the on-board GPS on the downwind and final legs. The pilot added that had he done so, he might have recognized the problem earlier. He stated that he had previously reviewed the Idaho Department of Aeronautics operating procedures document. Based on that information, he determined that once he had touched down on the runway he was committed to the landing, and a go-around was not advisable.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA206 for the full record.