Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177 near Willow Spring, AZ — 2022-11-27

Final reportWPR23LA060
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Date
2022-11-27
Location
Willow Spring, AZ, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 177
Registration
N2994X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The airplane’s loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on a cross-country flight and had climbed to his en route cruising altitude. The airplane continued at that altitude for about 10 minutes and then the engine sustained a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of power while preparing for an off-airport landing. He estimated the airplane had about 23 gallons of fuel at this time. The pilot intentionally pulled back on the controls to deplete airspeed and avoid contacting a boulder during the forced landing. The airplane stalled, impacted the terrain, and came to rest inverted in a field. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of leakage in the fuel system, but only trace amounts of fuel were found throughout the system and the 23 gallons could not be accounted for. It is unknown if the fuel egressed from the system after impact. The throttle cable was attached to the carburetor arm but was damaged and could only move slightly when manipulating the control knob in the cockpit (full travel was not possible). However, the pilot reported manipulating the throttle following the power loss; therefore, the throttle cable damage most likely occurred as a result of the impact. The air intake tubing was partially crushed and evidence was found of it having been modified. It is unknown if a lack of air to the carburetor contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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