# NTSB FTW86LA108: Cessna 177B, N34889, Odessa, TX, June 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1986, 02:00 local (07:00 UTC)
- Place: Odessa, TX
- Coordinates: 31.930055, -102.359764 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9301&lon=-102.3598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22038
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22038/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA108

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - seat belt - not used (contributing factor)
  - door,exterior crew - not engaged (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - initiated
  - door,exterior crew - open (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PAX, THE PLT HAD BEEN DRINKING PRIOR TO THE FLT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PLT DECIDED THAT PERHAPS HE WAS NOT IN ANY CONDITION TO FLY, SO HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE ARPT & LAND. RPRTDLY, HIS SEAT BELT HAD GOTTEN CAUGHT IN THE DOOR, & ON FINAL APCH, THE DOOR OPENED. THIS DISTRACTED THE PLT, & SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RWY, THEN SKIDDED 255 FT BEFORE STOPPING. THE PLT'S SEAT BELT WAS NOT FASTENED. HE WAS THROWN OUT OF THE ACFT & WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE PAX'S SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED & SHE RECEIVED ONLY MINOR INJURIES. A TOXICOLOGY CHECK SHOWED THAT THE PLT HAD A BLOOD/ALCOHOL LVL OF 0.29%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34889](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34889-2014-10-02), registration cancelled 2014-10-02, S/N 17702067, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177B
- Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17702067
- Airframe hours: 2890
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1F6 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Permian Rat Hole Drilling
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 13, 1986
- Destination: AUS, AUSTIN, TX
- Airport: E02, Odessa-Schlemeyer, runway 20, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## 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; toxicology performed; flight hours: 190 total, 100 in this make and model, 135 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MAF, 20 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 19860613024239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860613024239A), Jun 13, 1986: Cessna 177B, Odessa, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck the ground on final. Pilot not wearing a seat belt and was flying while intoxicated.

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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