# NTSB WPR10LA376: Cessna 177, N35296, Rawlins, WY, July 31, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 31, 2010, 09:10 local (15:10 UTC) - Place: Rawlins, WY - Coordinates: 41.805392, -107.19974 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8054&lon=-107.1997&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 27, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 76805 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR10LA376 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/76805/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76805 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA376 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, failure to properly use the takeoff checklist, and failure to lean the fuel mixture, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to attain sufficient airspeed due to the rich fuel mixture. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: use of checklist](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 336 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 278 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Engine fuel and control: fuel controlling system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057320): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057320/cases.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 59 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057320/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 177B, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2073708), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, prior to initiating the takeoff roll, he did not lean the fuel mixture. The airplane initially accelerated slowly, which the pilot expected at the high density altitude airport. About 50 feet above the ground, the pilot observed the engine rpm decreased from 2,700 to 2,500 rpm; the airplane was also losing altitude. The pilot elected to reduce the power and land on the runway overrun area; during the landing, the airplane struck a rock with the left main landing gear, which resulted in substantial damage to the elevator. A postaccident examination revealed that the spark plugs were carbon fouled, indicating that the engine was operating too rich. During the first engine run-up, the engine ran rough. After the spark plugs were cleaned, the engine ran normally with no anomalies noted. The airplane’s takeoff checklist notes, MIXTURE -- LEAN for maximum power at airports above 3,000 feet in elevation. The elevation of the airport was 6,813 feet. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 8,895 feet. ## Factual narrative On July 31, 2010, about 0910 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 177B airplane, N35296, sustained substantial damage following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb and subsequent forced landing at the Rawlins Municipal Airport (RWL), Rawlins, Wyoming. The certificated airline transport pilot and his sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned cross-country flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, with Scottsbluff, Nebraska the planned destination. In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that prior to his departure he noticed that a sign in the fixed based operator’s office indicated that runway 04 had an up hill gradient and that there was rising terrain at the end of the runway. The pilot stated that prior to taxiing for takeoff he noticed that the windsock pointed in a direction that favored runway 04. The pilot reported that at the end of runway 04 he performed his run up and preflight checks and that everything seemed to be normal; the pilot's statement also indicated that he failed to lean the fuel mixture prior to takeoff. The pilot further reported that he then taxied onto runway 04 and added full power for takeoff; a check of the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) and manifold pressure (Hg) indicated 2,700 RPM and 23 Hg respectively, with engine oil temperature and oil pressure readings both normal. The pilot revealed that the airplane accelerated slowly, which he said was to be expected at an altitude of 6,800 feel [mean sea level] (msl). The pilot stated that he rotated at normal speed and started to climb, and at about 50 feet above ground level, "...the aircraft vibration and sound changed." The pilot reported that he noticed that the RPM had dropped to 2,500 and that the airplane was losing altitude. The pilot further reported that at this point he “cut the power” and landed on the runway overrun. The pilot added that the airplane subsequently struck a rock with its left main [landing] gear before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its elevator. At the request of the IIC, a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airframe and powerplant mechanic conducted a post accident examination of the airplane’s engine. The mechanic reported that a visual examination of the spark plugs revealed that cylinder #4 top and bottom spark plugs were carbon fouled out and that all of the engine’s spark plugs were observed to have carbon fouling. The mechanic further reported that all cylinders were borescoped with no anomalies noted. Additionally, the mechanic verified that both the intake and exhaust rocker arms were checked for movement, all of which checked normal. The mechanic stated that while rotating the engine’s crankshaft, spark wasverified at all ignition harness leads, the carburetor’s accelerator pump expelled fuel when actuated, and that the engine timing checked normal. The mechanic added that during the first run up of the engine it ran rough, but after the cylinder’s #4 spark plugs were cleaned, the engine ran normally at all power settings. In part, the mechanic concluded in his report that "...the engine ran too rich, [which] is why [the] engine would not operate properly..." At 0853, the weather reporting facility located at RWL reported wind variable at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, temperature 21 degrees Celsius, dew point 10 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of Mercury. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to have been 8,895 feet. The Cessna 177B BEFORE TAKE-OFF checklist, item 6 states: Mixture – RICH (below 3000 ft.). Additionally, under the TAKE-OFF checklist, under MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TAKE-OFF, item 5 states: Mixture -- LEAN for maximum power (above 3000 feet elevation). The airport elevation was 6,813 feet msl. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N35296](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N35296), registered now, S/N 17702312 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 177 (B) - 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: 17702312 - Airframe hours: 2735 - Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 2, 2009, 67 hours before - Departed: RWL, Rawlins, WY - Destination: BFF, Scottsbluff, NE - Airport: RWL, Rawlins Municipal Airport, runway 04, 7,008 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 22, 2010; seat: left; flight hours: 6,648 total, 907 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: RWL ## 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 20100731039969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100731039969A), Jul 31, 2010: Cessna 177B, Rawlins, WY, Substantial damage. On July 31, 2010 at approximately 0905 MDT, a Cessna model 117B with registration number N35296 sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 21, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76805. 642 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 472 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354752&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Data (item 2, .PDF, 23 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354753&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Data-Master.PDF - FAA Mechanic's Statement (item 3, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354754&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Mechanic%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts from Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook (item 4, .PDF, 70 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354755&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Cessna%20Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 40 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354756&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 6, .PDF, 21 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354757&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.