# NTSB SEA87FA031: Cessna 177RG, N52069, Republic, WA, November 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 24, 1986, 16:48 local (Nov 25, 1986, 00:48 UTC)
- Place: Republic, WA
- Coordinates: 48.590576, -118.700241 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5906&lon=-118.7002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40511
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87FA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40511/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA031

## Analysis

A WITNESS OBSERVED THE ACFT TAXI OUT OT THE RWY IN LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS AND TAXI TO THE NORTH END OF THE RWY. DURING THE TAKEOFF THE AREA WAS COVERED WITH A HEAVY SNOW SHOWER, WITH WINDS FROM THE NORTH GUSTING T0 20-25 MPH. THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO DEPART TO THE SOUTH WITH ITS LIGHTS ON IN THE SNOW AND CRASH ABOUT .25 MILE WEST OF RWY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - snow (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52069](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52069-1988-04-06), registration cancelled 1988-04-06, S/N 177RG1159 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 177RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177rg) (registry code 2073709) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-a1b6d) (registry code 41593, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 177RG61159
- Airframe hours: 1290
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sylvester Assoc. Architects Ps
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 7, 1986, 2 hours before
- Destination: SFF, SPOKANE, WA
- Airport: WA48, Ferry County, runway 16, 3,500 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total, 1,290 in this make and model, 1,900 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °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 19861124083829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861124083829A), Nov 24, 1986: Cessna 177RG, Republic, WA, Destroyed. The aircraft impacted trees during a downwind takeoff. The VFR pilot was attempting flight in IFR conditions.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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