# NTSB LAX98LA203: Cessna 177B, N34416, Fallon, NV, June 17, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1998, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Fallon, NV
- Coordinates: 39.499755, -118.290763 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4998&lon=-118.2908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30124
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX98LA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30124/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA203

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of rudder controls on a short field takeoff and his failure to maintain runway alignment.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

The pilot stated that during a short field takeoff, he drifted left of centerline.  He continued controlling the direction of the aircraft with left rudder input.  He stated that he was too late applying right rudder input to correct for the left drift.  The aircraft became airborne, proceeded into a left turn impacting the taxiway.  Calm wind conditions were reported at the time of the accident and no pre-existing anomalies were reported with the aircraft.

## Factual narrative

On June 17, 1998, at 1300 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177B, N34416, departed the left side of runway 21 on takeoff and impacted the taxiway at the Fallon, Nevada, airport.  The aircraft, operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage.  The private pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local area personal flight that was originating at the time of the accident.  No flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that while practicing a short field takeoff the aircraft drifted left of centerline.  He stated that he continued to hold in the left rudder.  The pilot reported that he was too late with the application of the right rudder input to correct for the left drift.  The aircraft became airborne and proceeded into a left turn impacting the taxiway.  The pilot reported calm wind conditions at the time of the accident and no pre-existing anomalies with the aircraft.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34416](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34416-2012-12-18), registration cancelled 2012-12-18, S/N 17701793, built 1972 (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: 17701793
- Airframe hours: 3411
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1F6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leslie M. Jackson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1997, 31 hours before
- Departed: FLX
- Airport: FLX, Fallon Muni, runway 21, 5,703 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 316 total, 26 in this make and model, 139 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19980617021229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980617021229A), Jun 17, 1998: Cessna 177B, Fallon, NV, Substantial damage. Soft field takeoff practice. Drifted off runway slow nose high. Stalled. Impact off edge runway. Failed lower nose. (.4)the pilot stated that during a short…

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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