# NTSB LAX86LA041: Cessna 177A, N30351, Springerville, AZ, November 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1985, 15:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Springerville, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.429634, -110.05928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4296&lon=-110.0593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25019
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25019/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA041

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - engine instruments,oil pressure gage - no pressure (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT THE ENG OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO WHILE THE ACFT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT. HE SELECTED AN OPEN FIELD IN WHICH TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. HE SAID THAT AS HE APPROACHED THE FIELD THE ACFT ENTERED A DOWNDRAFT. HE STATED HE HAD REDUCED ENG PWR TO FLIGHT IDLE AND DID NOT APPLY THROTTLE AFTER ENCOUNTERING THE DOWNDRAFT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TELEPHONE WIRES, A UTILITY POLE AND A WIRE FENCE. THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE THAT PRODUCED THE INDICATION OF LOST OIL PRESSURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N30351 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17701206
- Airframe hours: 1891
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A2F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Silver Creek Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 10, 1984, 86 hours before
- Departed: Q35, SPRINGERVILLE, AZ
- Destination: 4EQ, TAYLOR, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 484 total, 365 in this make and model, 459 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SOW, 14 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 19851116057499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851116057499A), Nov 16, 1985: Cessna 177A, Springerville, AZ, Substantial damage. Struck a pole,wires and fence during a precautionary landing after loss of oil pressure. Oil had just been changed.

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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