Monday, February 18, 2013

Cessna 177 Cardinal, N30227: Accident occurred February 17, 2013 in Elcho, Wisconsin

http://registry.faa.gov/N30227

14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, February 17, 2013 in Elcho, WI
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/24/2013
Aircraft: CESSNA 177, registration: N30227
Injuries: 1 Minor,1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that the engine experienced a total loss of power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success; therefore, he executed a forced landing on a snow-covered field. Upon landing, the airplane nosed over and then came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said that he decided not to refuel before the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had refueled before the flight. He reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.


The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success and executed a forced landing to a field. Upon landing in the snow-covered field, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. In his written statement, the pilot said that he decided not to add additional fuel prior to the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented by adding additional fuel prior to the flight. He listed no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane on his written report.


 
LANGLADE COUNTY (WAOW) - Authorities say a small plane crashed early Sunday afternoon in Langlade County.

Sheriff's officials say the Cessna lost power around 1 p.m. and the pilot had to make an emergency landing near Elcho in a backyard.

Authorities say a husband and wife were inside the plane at the time. Police say the wife, who was a passenger in the plane, was taken to a hospital in Rhinelander with minor injuries.

The pilot was not injured.


LANGLADE COUNTY (MyFoxWausau) -

Authorities say a small plane crashed early Sunday afternoon in Langlade County.

Sheriff's officials say the Cessna lost power around 1 p.m. and the pilot had to make an emergency landing near Elcho in a backyard.

Authorities say a husband and wife were inside the plane at the time. Police say the wife, who was a passenger in the plane, was taken to a hospital in Rhinelander with minor injuries.

The pilot was not injured.

Authorities say the FAA will head to the scene tomorrow to investigate.