# NTSB ANC87LA020: Cessna 177, N30814, Willow, AK, December 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1986, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Willow, AK
- Coordinates: 61.890232, -149.730346 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.8902&lon=-149.7303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4813
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4813/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA020

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - fog (cause)
  - weather condition - snow (cause)
  - weather condition - whiteout (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD GOOD GROUND VISIBILITY BUT SUDDENLY FLEW INTO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS LOSING GROUND REFERENCE. HE STATED THAT BEFORE REALIZING WHAT HAD HAPPENED THE ACFT STRUCK THE TOP OF THE MOUNTIAN RIGDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30814](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30814-2013-07-15), registration cancelled 2013-07-15, S/N 17701479, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177
- Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17701479
- Airframe hours: 2797
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Clifton, J. Eller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 22, 1986, 90 hours before
- Departed: ENN, TANANA, AK
- Destination: PAQ, PALMER, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,500 total, 1,301 in this make and model, 1,301 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19861214067539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861214067539A), Dec 14, 1986: Cessna 177B, Willow, AK, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck a ridge while flying in whiteout conditions.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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