Cessna 177RG Safety Record

The total loss of engine power due to the loosening and separation of the No. 1 connecting rod cap nuts in flight, resulting in catastrophic internal engine damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s failure to comply with the engine manufacturer’s service instruction on engine overhaul intervals.

The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the fuel supply line to the fuel flow divider, which resulted in a fuel leak, fuel exhaustion, and a total loss of engine power.

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, hard landing, and a landing gear collapse.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while flying an instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in actual instrument conditions.

The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the pilot's early flare during the emergency landing.

The loss of engine power due to oil starvation and the subsequent failure of a connecting rod. Additional causes were the improper maintenance due to under-torqued fasteners, and inadequate airframe manufacturer maintenance procedures resulting in an improper oil gasket installation. The tree encountered during the forced landing was a factor.

The mechanic's improper installation of the oil filter canister base gasket, which resulted in an oil leak and the separation of the connecting rod due to oil starvation. Factors to the accident were the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing, the tailwind condition, the light pole, and the vehicle.

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 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 PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION TO ENTER A MOUNTAIN PASS AT AN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE TO BE EXCEEDED. FACTORS WERE TURBULENCE AND DOWNDRAFTS.