# NTSB FTW82DA312: Cessna 177, N30157, Springer, NM, July 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1982, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Springer, NM
- Coordinates: 36.360103, -104.590156 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3601&lon=-104.5902&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 July 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72679
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA312
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72679/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA312

## 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
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE ON A FLIGHT FROM GALLUP, NM TO DALHART, TX, THE LEFT FUEL TANK WOULD NOT FEED. THE PILOT MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON ROUGH, GRASSY TERRAIN WITH NO DAMAGE. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE TAB FOR THE LEFT FILLER CAP WAS BROKEN AND THE CAP WAS NOT SEATED. DUE TO UNEVEN PRESSURES IN THE TANKS, ALL OF THE FUEL HAD BEEN FLOWING FROM THE RIGHT TANK. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED AND THE PILOT INITIATED A TAKEOFF. HOWEVER, THE EMPENNAGE STRUCK A FENCE DURING THE TAKEOFF, DAMAGING THE LEFT ELEVATOR. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED IN THE NEXT FIELD WITH NO FURTHER DAMAGE. THE TEMPERATURE AND ELEVATION WERE 85 DEGREES AND ABOUT 6000 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30157](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N30157), registered now, S/N 17701086, 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: 17701086
- Airframe hours: 1652
- Engines: AVCO LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James R. Scott
- Registered owner: James R. Scott
- Departed: GALLUP, NM
- Destination: DALHART, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 20 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 185 °F

## 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 19820731034499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820731034499A), Jul 31, 1982: Cessna 177, Springer, NM, Substantial damage. Aircraft landed in field because of uneven fuel flow from tank. Crash occurred during attempted takeoff.

## Other investigations on N30157 (2)

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 LAX77DVA41](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77DVA41), Jul 9, 1977: Cessna 177 (N30157), Bakersfield, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX77DVA04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77DVA04), Oct 3, 1976: Cessna 177 (N30157), Bakersfield, CA, 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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