Cessna 177RG Safety Record

The pilot's improper engine starting procedures, and his failure to maintain clearance with a parked airplane, resulting in a collision with the parked and unoccupied airplane.

The improper installation of the single drive, dual magneto, which resulted in its separation from the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power. Factors included the crops in the forced landing field, and the night lighting conditions.

The separation of the engine induction alternate air door, which resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor was the non-compliance with the manufacturer's service letter.

The pilot's intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an approach for landing under visual flight rules.

the reverse rigging of the aileron flight control system resulting in aileron deflections opposite that of the pilot's inputs which lead to an uncontrolled descent into the terrain. Factors include the pilot's failure to detect the misrigged ailerons during his pre-takeoff flight control check.

the deer that traveled onto the runway and contacted the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the night light conditions and the light snow that was falling.

The failure of the pilot to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb from the grass airstrip. Also, the excessive pull-up by the pilot and inadvertent stall. Findings in the investigation were 1) in-flight collision with the tops of trees and 2) the pilot's operation of the airplane into a grass airstrip contrary to the operator's procedures.

The pilot's improper weather evaluation, and subsequent improper decision to fly into forecast and known icing conditions that exceeded the capability of the airplane to maintain flight. A factor was the icing conditions.

The PIC's inadequate planning and preparation resulting in refueling not being performed and the subsequent fuel exhaustion and forced landing into trees. A factor in the accident was the erratic operation of the right fuel tank quantity indicating system.

the pilot inadvertently became disoriented and misjudged his position on the runway/airport, which resulted in him turning the airplane too soon, and subsequently impacting with a tree. Factors in this accident were a loss of electrical power for undetermined reasons, resulting in the pilot not being able to activate the runway lights, and no visual cues due to a dark night.

the pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed for the existing wind conditions, and, his failure to abort the takeoff when it became apparent that the aircraft performance was not as anticipated. Factors in the accident were the tailwind and high density altitude conditions.

The pilot's inadequate flight planning, and lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. Factor's were the pilot's inadequate aircraft preflight, and the subsequent engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.