Pilot Debrief

Cessna 177RG near Fall City, WA — 2019-07-27

Final reportWPR19LA226
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Date
2019-07-27
Location
Fall City, WA, USA
Airport
1WA6
Aircraft
Cessna 177RG
Registration
N1828Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 3 cylinder intake valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced landing on uneven terrain.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, as the pilot neared his level-off altitude, the airplane’s engine began to run rough. The pilot elected to return to the departure airport. However, during the return, the engine continued to run rough and lose power, which prompted him to land at the nearest airport. He had difficulty locating the airport during the approach, which resulted in the airplane being high in altitude and airspeed. The pilot initiated a go-around, but, during the go around the engine lost additional power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field. The airplane nosed over during the landing roll due to uneven terrain and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the engine and an engine run revealed that the No. 3 cylinder was non-operational. Examination revealed that the No. 3 intake valve head was deformed, likely from exposure to excessive temperatures, which resulted in the softening of the valve material. The deformity of the valve did not allow the intake valve to seat properly and left a noticeable gap through which gases and air could escape. This gap would result in the loss of power from the No. 3 cylinder. The reason for the overheat condition could not be determined based on available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier when engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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