NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2014, about 0945 central daylight time, a Cessna 177A single engine airplane, N30537, was substantially damaged during initial climb at Sauk Centre Municipal Airport (D39), Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The pilot and a non-pilot passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Day visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan had not been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane had departed Winsted Municipal Airport (10D), Winsted, Minnesota, about 0855 and was destined for D39.

The airplane bounced twice during the landing at D39 so the pilot added full power and began a go-around. The pilot reported that the airspeed got too slow during the initial climb and the airplane began descending in an uncommanded left turn. During that time the pilot was pressing on the right rudder in an attempt to correct the left turn and he was pulling back on the yoke as far as he could. The pilot was partially able to level the wings, but was unable to arrest the descent. The airplane impacted terrain in a slightly nose down attitude and came to rest inverted. There was a slight fuel leak, but no postimpact fire, and the two occupants were able to exit the wreckage unassisted. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, lower fuselage, empennage, and vertical fin.

Photos taken soon after the accident showed the flaps were still fully extended. An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

At 0932, the official surface weather observation site at D39 reported wind from 330 degrees at 8 knots, visibility of 10 miles, and clear of clouds, temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (C), and a dew point temperature of 15 degrees C, with an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of Mercury.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The cockpit checklist and Pilot Operating Handbook for the Cessna 177A states that: "In a balked landing (go-around) climb, apply full throttle smoothly, remove carburetor heat, and reduce wing flaps promptly to 20 degrees".

"Upon reaching an airspeed of approximately 75 MPH, flaps should be slowly retracted to the full up position. If obstacles are immediately ahead during the go-around, the wing flaps should be left at 20 degrees until obstacles are cleared".

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to retract the flaps after beginning the go-around.