N177GWCessna 177B · 1976

According to the flight instructor, he was demonstrating a power-off 180° simulated forced landing to the runway. Following a smooth landing, the airplane drifted to the right onto the grass. The right wheel was in the grass, and the airplane veered hard right towards a ditch. During the attempt to regain directional control, the airplane impacted a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light. The flight instructor reported that he thought the pilot receiving instruction may have been on the flight controls during the attempted recovery. The flight instructor taxied the airplane to the parking area.

According to the pilot receiving instruction, he and the flight instructor were practicing a power-off landing to the runway. The pilot reported that as the airplane neared the runway, he felt they were not at the right angle or approach to make a successful landing. The flight instructor advised the pilot to continue the landing. About 50 to 75 ft above the ground, the pilot did not think he could make the landing and transferred control to the flight instructor. During the landing, one wheel exited the runway surface, and the airplane veered to the right. The airplane struck a VASI light, and the flight instructor taxied the airplane to the ramp to inspect the damage.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilator and empennage. Both the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The accident was reported to the National Transportation Safety Board on November 18, 2024.