Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177RG near Red Oak, IA — 2015-10-08

Final reportCEN16LA032
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Date
2015-10-08
Location
Red Oak, IA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 177RG
Registration
N1542H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The improper torque of the engine’s No. 3 cylinder intake pipe bolts, which resulted in the separation of the pipe and a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that, during an en route climb to cruise altitude, the engine began to vibrate and the engine fuel flow decreased. The pilot initiated a return to the departure airport during which the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot performed a forced landing to a cornfield, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder intake pipe was loose and missing its attachment bolts. Review of maintenance logbooks showed that the No. 3 engine cylinder intake pipe gasket was replaced about 400 flight hours before the accident. It is likely that the bolts were improperly torqued at the time of replacement.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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