# NTSB CHI98LA179: Cessna 177RG, N1849Q, Tocsin, IN, May 28, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 28, 1998, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC) - Place: Tocsin, IN - Coordinates: 40.79916, -85.089103 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7992&lon=-85.0891&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10897 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA179 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10897/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA179 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed during the takeoff climb and the resulting inadvertant stall. A factor in the accident was the pilot's premature raising of the flaps. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - raising of flaps - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor) - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot stated the engine was running normally, but the airplane did not seem to want to climb during the takeoff. The pilot stated he raised the landing gear near the end of the runway at which time the stall horn activated. He then raised the flaps from 10 degrees to fully retracted and made a turn to avoid wires ahead of him. He stated the airplane then 'mushed' into the terrain. Post accident inspection of the airplane and engine failed to reveal any reason why the airplane would not have been capable of obtaining a normal rate of climb during the takeoff. ## Factual narrative On May 28, 1998, at 1830 eastern standard time, a Cessna 177RG, N1849Q, operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged after impacting the terrain shortly after takeoff from the Lazy K Airstrip, near Tocsin, Indiana. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was on file. The planned local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported the engine run-up and takeoff were normal. He stated the engine was running normally, but the airplane did not seem to want to climb. The pilot stated he raised the landing gear near the end of the runway at which time the stall horn activated. He then raised the flaps from 10 degrees to fully retracted and made a turn to avoid wires ahead of him. He stated the airplane then "mushed" into the terrain. Post accident inspection of the airplane and engine by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, South Bend, Indiana, Flight Standards District Office failed to reveal any reason why the airplane would not have been capable of obtaining a normal rate of climb during the takeoff. The airplane impacted the terrain approximately 1,300 feet from the end of the runway. The 1972 Cessna 177RG Owner's Manual states stall speed of 66 miles per hour (MPH) with flaps up, power off and a stall speed of 57 MPH with flaps extended , power off. Takeoff procedures state to climb out at 75 to 85 MPH after which time the landing gear and flaps should be retracted. The maximum performance takeoff procedures state that flaps should not be retracted until "accelerating to at least 80 MPH." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1849Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1849Q-1998-12-05), registration cancelled 1998-12-05, S/N 177RG0249 (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: 177RG0249 - Airframe hours: 2770 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary W. Koepke - Last inspection: Annual, November 18, 1997, 50 hours before - Departed: 0IN2 - Destination: 0IN2 - Airport: Lazy K, runway 18, 2,900 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 192 total, 14 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 17 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FWA, 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 19980528020729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980528020729A), May 28, 1998: Cessna 177RG, Tocsin, IN, Substantial damage. Impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. No further info. (.4)the pilot stated the engine was running normally, but the airplane did not seem to want to climb… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.