N34767

On August 12, 1995, approximately 2045 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177B, N34767, was substantially damaged during an intentional ditching following a total loss of power while in cruise. The aircraft was ditched approximately 150 feet offshore from Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington. The private pilot and three passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and departed from Hoquiam, Washington.

The pilot reported that shortly after he made landfall near Discovery Park the RPM dropped to near zero. The engine recovered and then lost power again. The pilot chose to execute a ditching as no suitable terrain was available to ensure a safe landing.

A witness, who stated that he was a pilot, reported observing the aircraft at about 50 feet altitude in very slow flight. He stated that the engine was surging, or cutting in and out.

The pilot reported in a telephone interview that he had dipped his fuel tanks about 1530 prior to his first departure of the day from Harvey Field, near Snohomish, Washington. He reported that the fuel on board at that time was 3/4 tanks, and that the aircraft's total capacity was 60 gallons. The standard fuel capacity for this aircraft is 50 gallons, of which 49 gallons are considered usable.

After departing Harvey Field, the aircraft was flown to Quillayute Sate airport, near the coast, and then to Hoquiam, Washington (refer to attached chart). The pilot reported that he checked his fuel with a dipstick at both Quillayute and Hoquiam (without refueling), and reported that he had 1/3 tank in one wing, and "close to" 1/3 tank in the other wing prior to the departure from Hoqiuam. He reported departing Hoquiam approximately 2000 hours and that at 2000 feet over West Point [near Discovery Park], the engine "stumbled." He did not try carburetor heat and reported that power was cutting in and out. He set 2300 rpm, which fell off almost to nothing and then caught, then dropped, then caught.

In a written statement received 11 days following the accident, the pilot reported that he had departed Harvey field about 1630, and then landed at Quillayute, where he departed within an hour. He stated that he landed at Hoquiam about 1900, remaining on the ground for just over an hour. He stated that he dip-checked the fuel tanks, estimating 1 1/2 to 2 hours of fuel on board, then departed Hoquiam shortly after 2000 for Harvey Field.

Approximately 2040, while over Discovery Park at 2000 feet, he experienced a complete power loss. He stated that he "established best glide [speed], went through the emergency check list while looking for most suitable place to put down." He elected to ditch the aircraft due to pedestrians.

The pilot and his passengers were rescued by boat and treated for hypothermia.

The aircraft was recovered October 1, 1995, after it was snagged by a fisherman. The aircraft's trip log, which reportedly contained the tach time of the departure from Harvey Field, was never recovered.