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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 17, 2013 · Cessna 177 · N30227

Elcho, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 17, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Elcho, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N30227
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA175

The pilot reported that the engine experienced a total loss of power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success; therefore, he executed a forced landing on a snow-covered field. Upon landing, the airplane nosed over and then came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said that he decided not to refuel before the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had refueled before the flight. He reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success and executed a forced landing to a field. Upon landing in the snow-covered field, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. In his written statement, the pilot said that he decided not to add additional fuel prior to the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented by adding additional fuel prior to the flight. He listed no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane on his written report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN30227
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time19:08
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data