Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177 near White Swan, WA — 2021-10-16

Final reportWPR22LA017
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Date
2021-10-16
Location
White Swan, WA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 177
Registration
N3388T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the airplane reported that, after the takeoff he switched to the right fuel tank to verify that it was working, and then switched back to the left tank to run it dry for upcoming maintenance. When the engine began to sputter, he switched to the right tank, but the engine lost all power, despite turning the fuel pump on, pumping the throttle, and again switching back to the left tank. He force-landed the airplane to a dirt field where the nose landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot examined the fuel tanks and discovered that the left tank had about 2 gallons remaining, and the right tank had about 15 gallons remaining. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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