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NTSB Report
December 9, 1991 · Cessna 177 · N2961X
Elkhart, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Elkhart, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N2961X
Operator
Frank G Fisher
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92LA056
THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF WHILE STILL OVER THE RUNWAY. HE SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED ON THE RUNWAY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP PRIOR TO OVERRUNNING THE END AND STRIKING TREES. THE TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT REPORTED AT SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, WERE 39 AND 33 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, THESE TEMPERATURES ARE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND SUCCESSFULLY RUN POST ACCIDENT WITH NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES NOTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF WHILE STILL OVER THE RUNWAY. HE SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED ON THE RUNWAY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP PRIOR TO OVERRUNNING THE END AND STRIKING TREES. THE TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT REPORTED AT SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, WERE 39 AND 33 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, THESE TEMPERATURES ARE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND SUCCESSFULLY RUN POST ACCIDENT WITH NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES NOTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest AirportMishawaka (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN2961X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrank G Fisher
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 72 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO