# NTSB ATL88LA071: Cessna 177, N2906X, Springfield, KY, January 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 2, 1988, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Springfield, KY
- Coordinates: 37.679054, -85.2201 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6791&lon=-85.2201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 13, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7693
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7693/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA071

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - ice (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ONE WITNESS STATED THAT THE ENG MISFIRED DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, OTHERS STATED THAT THE ACFT WAS ABOUT 75 FT HIGH WHEN IT LOST POWER. THERE WERE SEVERAL INTERRUPTIONS OF POWER BEFORE IT QUIT TOTALLY.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRFIELD.  THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN A LEFT TURN.  AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS BEING USED. WATER/ICE WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE PILOT HAD COMPLAINED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS ABOUT WATER IN THE FUEL. AUTOMOTIVE FUEL COULD NOT BE OBTAINED AT THE AIRPORT AND WAS CARRIED TO THE AIRPORT BY THE PILOT IN CONTAINERS FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2906X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2906X-2012-08-30), registration cancelled 2012-08-30, S/N 17700306, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177
- Registry model: [Cessna 177](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177) (registry code 2073704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17700306
- Airframe hours: 3740
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jack U. Colley
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1987, 9 hours before
- Departed: 612
- Airport: 6I2, Lebanon-Springfield, runway 29, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 880 total, 9 in this make and model, 786 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 32 °F, dew point 5 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LEX, 38 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 19880102039089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880102039089A), Jan 2, 1988: Cessna STC177, Springfield, KY, Substantial damage. Engine quit on takeoff climbout. Crash landed off edge of airport. Water found in auto fuel used in aircraft.

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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