# NTSB ATL85LA279: Cessna 177RG, N800JH, Neola, WV, September 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1985, 09:03 local (13:03 UTC)
- Place: Neola, WV
- Location: 37.9660° N, 80.1301° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Neola, WV, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9660&lon=-80.1301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6876
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA279
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6876/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA279

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,crankcase - cracked (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE LEVELING AT CRUISE ALTITUDE THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD. DURING LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH SMALL TREES AT THE END OF THE FIELD. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED A 3 INCH CRACK IN THE CRANKCASE UNDER THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N800JH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N800JH-1991-02-07), registration cancelled 1991-02-07, S/N 177RG0750 (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: 177RG 0750
- Airframe hours: 2248
- Engines: LYCOMING I0360-A1B6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: John M. Greacen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, August 22, 1985, 44 hours before
- Departed: RIC, RICHMOND, VA
- Destination: CRW, CHARLESTON, WV
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 386 total, 259 in this make and model, 229 as pilot in command, 87 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19850919045759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850919045759A), Sep 19, 1985: Cessna 177RG, Neola, WV, Substantial damage. Cracked crankcase caused oil loss, power failure. Hit trees after landing in a field. Cause of crack undetermined.

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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