Cessna 177RG — Sterling, MA

What happened

Witnesses reported that, after a normal takeoff, the engine “coughed” and ran roughly as the airplane reached the approximate midpoint of the runway during the initial climb. The airplane crossed over the departure end of the runway in a nose-high attitude with the wings rocking before the left wing “dipped” and the airplane began a left turn and descended out of view. The airplane impacted terrain in a wings-level, nose-down attitude of about 60°. About 3 ounces of fuel was found in each of the intact fuel tanks, with no evidence of fuel leaking into the ground/water. Based on the available fueling records, the most recent fueling likely occurred about 4.8 flight hours before the accident flight. Estimates of fuel used during that time were between 54 and 65 gallons before the accident takeoff. The airplane’s usable fuel capacity was 60 gallons.

Examination of the fuel level transmitters revealed that the left fuel tank transmitter was significantly out of specification when in the “empty” position. This would have resulted in the left fuel gauge indicating more fuel than actually present when the fuel level was at or near empty. Based on the amount of fuel found remaining in the tanks, it is likely that the left fuel gauge incorrectly indicated more fuel than was actually available.

Whether or to what extent the pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane could not be determined; however, had the pilot visually inspected the fuel levels, he would have likely determined that there was insufficient fuel available for the flight. The pilot’s wife reported that the pilot had previously “had trouble with” the airplane’s fuel gauges. Examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available information, the circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel exhaustion followed by a loss of control and impact with terrain.

Examination of the pilot’s seatbelt/shoulder harness revealed that it would lock normally when tensioned after the accident, however the retraction spring inside the harness reel was found incorrectly installed, and it would not recoil the belt. The belt was found completely unspooled from its reel after the accident. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot’s restraint system was not properly tensioned at the time of the accident; however, it was not possible to determine whether the pilot’s injuries were exacerbated as a result.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.