# NTSB BFO88FA024: Cessna 177RG, N2109Q, Ellamore, WV, February 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 20, 1988, 22:38 local (Feb 21, 1988, 03:38 UTC)
- Place: Ellamore, WV
- Coordinates: 38.930408, -80.079017 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9304&lon=-80.0790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11359
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11359/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA024

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

APRX 3 HRS AND 26 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF FROM REPUBLIC AIRPORT, THE PLT REPORTED HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO AN AIRPORT, THE PLT RADIOED THAT HE WAS GOING TO ATTEMPT TO LAND ON A ROAD. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES AND CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA APRX 100 FT FROM THE ROAD. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/ MALFUNCTION. THE LEFT FUEL TANK OPENED UP DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND SEARCH/RESCUE PERSONNEL REPORTED NO ODOR OF FUEL UPON REACHING THE ACCIDENT SITE. ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2109Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2109Q-2012-08-23), registration cancelled 2012-08-23, S/N 177RG0509, built 1974 (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: 177RG0509
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nabil A. Ragheb
- Registered owner: Nabil A Ragheb
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 26, 1987
- Departed: FRG, FARMINGDALE, NY
- Destination: CRW, CHARLESTON, WV
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 540 total, 245 in this make and model, 423 as pilot in command, 165 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 250° at 13 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CKB, 24 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 19880220047869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880220047869A), Feb 20, 1988: Cessna 177RG, Buckhannon, WV, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Lost power,crashed into trees. No fuel or odor at site. Should have had fuel. Condition for induction icing present

## Other investigations on N2109Q (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 FTW79DPG11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DPG11), Dec 5, 1978: Cessna 177RG (N2109Q), Jonesboro, AR, 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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