Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The failure of the pilot to do adequate preflight planning and failure to refuel when he had the opportunity. A factor in the accident was the soft field due to recent rains.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 1, 1995, at 1150 central daylight time, a Cessna 177B, N13734, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing due to loss of engine power near Nappanee, Indiana. The private pilot reported no injury. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Rochester, Indiana, enroute to Mishawaka, Indiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
In his written statements and phone conversations, the pilot reported that he had departed Mishawaka with the fuel gauges indicating 1/2 full. He landed at Rochester, Indiana, but did not refuel before returning to Mishawaka. While returning, he executed a practice approach and missed approach at Goshen, Indiana. As he was proceeding to the Goshen VOR (GHS) for the missed approach procedure, the engine sputtered and he shut the engine down. He had been flying for about two hours when this occured.
He then picked out a field and proceeded with the forced landing. He touched down in a bean field that he had picked out as his landing spot. Due to the recent rains the ground was soft. After traveling about 200 feet, the nose wheel dug into the dirt and the airplane to flipped over onto its back.
During the inspection of the airplane, both wing tank sumps were drained and each contained about 1/3 cup of fuel.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA208