# NTSB LAX83LA023: Cessna 177, N2947X, Morgan Hill, CA, October 30, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1982, 18:10 local (Oct 30, 1982, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Morgan Hill, CA
- Coordinates: 37.16983, -121.649742 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1698&lon=-121.6497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 29, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA023

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO PERFORM A BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW. DURING THE PREFLIGHT, ABOUT 1 PINT OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE WINGS/SUMPS AND ABOUT 1/2 TEASPOON OF WATER WAS FOUND. AFTER TAKING OFF, THE POWER WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT 2500 RPM AND 25 INCHES OF MANIFOLD PRESSURE. AS THE CLIMB WAS CONTINUED, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT ABOUT 3500 FT MSL. THE PILOTS WERE UNABLE TO RESTORE THE ENGINE POWER. THEIR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INCLUDED THE USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE FUEL BOOST PUMP. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A SOFT FIELD. THE PILOT SUSPECTED CARBURETOR ICE, BUT THIS WAS NOT CONFIRMED. A TEARDOWN OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE BEFORE IMPACT. THE TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT WERE 68 AND 58 DEGREES, RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2947X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2947X-1984-10-24), registration cancelled 1984-10-24, S/N 17700347 (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: 347
- Airframe hours: 1540
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: David E. Bates
- Registered owner: David E. Bates
- Departed: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA
- Destination: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 256 total, 114 in this make and model, 168 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 154 °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 19821029057549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821029057549A), Oct 29, 1982: Cessna 177, Morgan Hill, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft flipped inverted during emergency landing in soft field.

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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