# NTSB MKC82FCJ03: Cessna 177, N29397, Near Qgallala, NE, June 27, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1982, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Near Qgallala, NE
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 4 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 27, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71917
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82FCJ03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71917/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82FCJ03

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE PREFLIGHT, THERE WAS ABOUT 4 INCHES OF FUEL IN ONE TANK AND ABOUT 3 INCHES IN THE OTHER TANK. HOWEVER, HE DID NOT REMEMBER THE ACCIDENT OR WHAT HAPPENDED FOR ABOUT A WEEK THEREAFTER. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING WHEN THE PLANE WAS NEAR THE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM THE STRIP IN AN AREA OF BRUSH NEAR TREES. BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE VISIBLY CHECKED AND WERE FOUND TO BE EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N29397](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N29397-2012-03-15), registration cancelled 2012-03-15, S/N 17700862, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177
- Registry model: [Cessna 177](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177) (registry code 2073704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17700862
- Airframe hours: 1207
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John Vampola
- Registered owner: John Vampola
- Departed: ORD, ORD, NE
- Destination: OGALLALA, NE
- Airport: Lakeview Airstrip, runway 31, 2,650 × 0 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 737 total, 182 in this make and model, 699 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles

## 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 19820627024909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820627024909A), Jun 27, 1982: Cessna 177, Ogallala, NE, Destroyed. Crashed near destination airport. Witness reports indicate pilot unable to locate strip. Fuel tanks were empty.

## Other investigations on N29397 (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC73DCJ06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73DCJ06), Jul 9, 1972: Cessna 177 (N29397), Papillion, NE, substantial damage

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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