# NTSB MIA97LA004: Cessna 177, N2286Y, Ringgold, GA, October 8, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1996, 18:31 local (22:31 UTC)
- Place: Ringgold, GA
- Coordinates: 34.909229, -85.0998 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9092&lon=-85.0998&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38168
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA97LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38168/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA004

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid obstructions during takeoff.

## 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
  - object - tree(s)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot stated while maneuvering on initial takeoff climb from an open field the left wing collided with trees and the airplane crashed into terrain.

## Factual narrative

On October 8, 1996, a Cessna 177, N2286Y, registered to St. Clairs Stateline Inc., operated by Aviation Specialist Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight, crashed on takeoff from an open field in the vicinity of Ringgold, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated he had made a forced landing in the open field earlier in the day after experiencing a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Fuel was brought to the forced landing area and added to the fuel tanks. He started the airplane, completed an engine run up and departed. He used 3/4 of the available open field before becoming airborne. He started a left turn and the left wing tip collided with trees and crashed into the terrain.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2286Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2286Y-1997-03-12), registration cancelled 1997-03-12, S/N 17700086 (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: 17700086
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Aviation Specialist Inc
- Registered owner: St. Clair Stateline Gro Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: 3M3, COLLEGEDALE, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 727 total, 24 in this make and model, 560 as pilot in command, 228 in the last 90 days, 78 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA

## 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 19961008046739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961008046739A), Oct 8, 1996: Cessna 177, Ringgold, GA, Destroyed. (-16) After making an emergency landing on an unimproved field due to fuel starvation, the PIC, richard allen jackson, attempted to takeoff (15 gallons of…

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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