# NTSB CHI92LA186: Cessna 177, N2888X, Napoleon, MI, June 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1992, 20:25 local (Jun 25, 1992, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Napoleon, MI
- Coordinates: 42.159248, -84.239646 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1592&lon=-84.2396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15477
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15477/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA186

## Probable cause

AN INADVERTENT STALL ON TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - grass
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

PILOT ABORTED HIS FIRST TAKEOFF ON RUNWAY 27, A 2575 FOOT GRASS RUNWAY. ON SECOND ATTEMPT, AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE. WITNESSES DESCRIBED AIRCRAFT AS 'FLYING IN GROUND EFFECT,' AND 'APPEARED TO BE IN A STALLED ATTITUDE.' PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER AIRCRAFT, AND IT HIT THE GROUND, SKIDDED ACROSS A ROAD, AND HIT A TREE.  PILOT STATED THAT HE 'FELT THE AIRCRAFT BUFFETING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL.'  RUNWAY PILOT SELECTED HAD 69+ FEET TREES OFF THE DEPARTURE END.  WIND WAS 360 DEGREES AT 4 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2888X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2888X-1993-04-22), registration cancelled 1993-04-22, S/N 17700288 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177
- Registry model: [Cessna 177](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177) (registry code 2073704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17700288
- Airframe hours: 1588
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles E. King
- Registered owner: Robt. E. & Michelle L. King
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1991, 40 hours before
- Departed: 3NP
- Airport: 3NP, Napolean, runway 27, 2,575 × 240 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 230 total, 179 in this make and model, 131 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JXN, 10 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 19920624023919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920624023919A), Jun 24, 1992: Cessna 177, Napoleon, MI, Substantial damage. Second try to depart short grass strip. Liftoff below power curve. Never got climb speed. Impacted right wing low.

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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