# NTSB BFO86LA048: Cessna 177B, N34251, Westminster, MD, September 15, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1986, 15:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Westminster, MD
- Coordinates: 39.569049, -77.000381 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5690&lon=-77.0004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11258
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO86LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11258/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86LA048

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - failure,total (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Overrun, landing - roll
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

FIVE INCHES OF ONE PROPELLER BLADE TIP SEPARATED DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF 3,500 FT MSL. THE IMBALANCE RESULTED IN A SEVERE VIBRATION AND A PARTIAL POWER LOSS. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, THE PLT SET UP FOR A FORCED LANDING AT CLEARVIEW AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN MIDWAY DOWN THE RUNWAY, CONTINUED OFF THE END, CONTACTED A DITCH AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34251](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34251-2017-05-23), registration cancelled 2017-05-23, S/N 17701735 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177B
- Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17701735
- Airframe hours: 1900
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1F6 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James M. West
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1986, 70 hours before
- Departed: M54, CHARLESTON, WV
- Destination: LNS, LANCASTER, PA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: 2W2, Clearview, runway 13, 1,830 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 473 total, 221 in this make and model, 429 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 14,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BWI, 24 nm away

## Other investigations on N34251 (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA72FLG34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA72FLG34), Apr 22, 1972: Cessna 177B (N34251), Anderson, SC, substantial damage

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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