# NTSB CHI92FA279: Cessna 177, N30076, Manlius, IL, September 17, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1992, 09:12 local (14:12 UTC)
- Place: Manlius, IL
- Coordinates: 41.460388, -89.680984 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4604&lon=-89.6810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15312
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92FA279
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15312/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92FA279

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A FORCED LANDING, AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION AND POWER LOSS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach
- Loss of control - in flight, approach
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE TERRAIN AFTER FAILING TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING FOLLOWING AN IN-FLIGHT ENGINE FAILURE. ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION FOUND NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS, AND NO ODOR OF FUEL. THE PREVIOUS EVENING, AFTER REFUELING THE TANKS, THE AIRCRAFT WAS LEFT PARKED ON AN INCLINED RAMP. AS WARNED BY A SERVICE LETTER ISSUED IN 1969, THE AIRCRAFT LOST FUEL RESULTING FROM A CROSS-FEED CONDITION INTO THE LOWER WING FUEL BAY WHEN THE SELECTOR VALVE IS IN THE 'BOTH ON' POSITION. THIS CROSS-FEED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN OVERFILLING OF THE LOWER WING TANK AND CAUSE FUEL TO DRIP FROM THE LOWER WING TIP VENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30076](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30076-2015-05-06), registration cancelled 2015-05-06, S/N 17701055, built 1968 (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: 1770155
- Airframe hours: 2660
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Grand Lake Air Inc.
- Registered owner: Grand Lake Air Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 29, 1992, 96 hours before
- Departed: HHG, HUNTINGTON, IN
- Destination: CIN, CARROLL, IA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,535 total, 1,465 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLI, 40 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 19920917037069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920917037069A), Sep 17, 1992: Cessna 177, Manlius, IL, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Reported power loss. Crash landed. Fuel tanks empty. Fueled on inclined ramp. One tank not full other vented fuel.

## Other investigations on N30076 (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 CHI73DEK22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73DEK22), Apr 30, 1973: Cessna 177 (N30076), Findlay, OH, 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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