N29598

On January 22, 1995, approximately 1140 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 177, N29598, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after takeoff from Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, Washington. The private pilot and his daughter sustained minor injuries; his wife was uninjured. The flight, conducted under 14 CFR 91, was not under a flight plan and its destination was Tacoma Narrows airport, Tacoma, Washington, where the aircraft was to be fueled for a longer flight. There was no fire and no report of an ELT functioning.

The pilot stated that after takeoff to the south, at an altitude of two or three hundred feet, the aircraft sustained a loss of power and he initiated a forced landing into an open field, sustaining substantial damage due to soft terrain. The pilot stated that he heard noises indicating that the power loss was due to mechanical reasons. A witness stated that he saw black smoke from the aircraft prior to ground impact.

Investigators found a 1/2" by 1 1/2" piece of neoprene intake air box ducting in the carburetor throat, jammed in the venturi.