# NTSB CHI92LA056: Cessna 177, N2961X, Elkhart, IN, December 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1991, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Elkhart, IN
- Coordinates: 41.679119, -85.959266 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6791&lon=-85.9593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15370
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15370/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA056

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT.  A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, descent - emergency
- Overrun, landing - roll
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF WHILE STILL OVER THE RUNWAY.  HE SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED ON THE RUNWAY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP PRIOR TO OVERRUNNING THE END AND STRIKING TREES. THE TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT REPORTED AT SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, WERE 39 AND 33 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY.  ACCORDING TO ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, THESE TEMPERATURES ARE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.  THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND SUCCESSFULLY RUN POST ACCIDENT WITH NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2961X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2961X), registered now, S/N 17700361, 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: 17700361
- Airframe hours: 1461
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frank G. Fisher
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 11, 1991, 11 hours before
- Airport: 3C1, Mishawaka, runway 21, 2,500 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 11 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,300 ft broken

## 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 19911209059039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911209059039A), Dec 9, 1991: Cessna 177, Elkhart, IN, Substantial damage. Lost partial power on takeoff. Aborted late. Unable to stop. Ran off runway into trees. Conditions for carb icing.

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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