# NTSB ATL91LA080: Cessna 177RG, N1960Q, Saluda, SC, April 13, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 13, 1991, 12:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Saluda, SC
- Coordinates: 34.000827, -81.770309 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0008&lon=-81.7703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8393
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8393/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA080

## Probable cause

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR DID NOT MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE DURING THE SIMULATED FORCED LANDING.

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT STATED THAT THE STUDENT HAD BEEN PRACTICING GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVERS.  THE INSTRUCTOR SIMULATED A FORCED LANDING SITUATION FOR THE STUDENT.  AT THE POINT THAT THE INSTRUCTOR ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND, THE AIRCRAFT HIT POWER LINES AND CRASHED INTO A FIELD.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1960Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1960Q-1997-02-18), registration cancelled 1997-02-18, S/N 177RG0360 (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: 177RG0360
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Southeast Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Southeast Helicopters, Inc.
- Destination: AIK, AIKEN, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 530 total, 55 in this make and model, 425 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 71 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Observed at: AGS, 33 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 19910413010219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910413010219A), Apr 13, 1991: Cessna 177RG, Saluda, SC, Substantial damage. Struck powerline and crashed during simulated forced landing practice.

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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