# NTSB ATL84FKG08: Cessna 177RG, N7554V, Pell City, AL, June 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 23, 1984, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Pell City, AL
- Coordinates: 33.630836, -86.290428 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6308&lon=-86.2904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6315
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FKG08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6315/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FKG08

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF SEQUENCE, THE ALTERNATE AIR DOOR HINGE FAILED, ALLOWING THE DOOR TO SEPARATE AND PROGRESSIVELY BLOCK THE INDUCTION AIR SYSTEM TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT POWER WAS AVAILABLE TO SUSTAIN FURTHER FLIGHT. A FORCED LANDING WAS EFFECTED IN A COW PASTURE. THE ALTERNATE AIR DOOR IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR CONDITION INSPECTION UNDER ROUTINE PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES (COWLING REMOVAL REQUIRED).

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - miscellaneous - separation (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,ram air/induction air - blocked(partial) (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7554V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7554V), registered now, S/N 177RG0850, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 177RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177rg) (registry code 2073709) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-a1b6d) (registry code 41593, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 177RG0850
- Airframe hours: 691
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ruth A. Morgan
- Registered owner: Earl S. Morgan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1984, 5 hours before
- Departed: PLR, PELL CITY, AL
- Destination: PLR, PELL CITY, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,211 total, 5 in this make and model, 935 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BHM, 25 nm away

## 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 19840623026499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840623026499A), Jun 23, 1984: Cessna 177RG, Pell City, AL, Substantial damage. Induction alternate air door hinge failed. Door lodged across injector tube engine quit, landed in field,hit fence.

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

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