N29676

On November 6, 1995, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Cessna 177, N29676, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near South Brunswick, New Jersey. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight departed Old Bridge, New Jersey, destined for Blairstown, New Jersey, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated:

...I reached cruise altitude of 2000 feet. About that time the engine began to run roughly. The engine stopped running and I landed in an open field. The field was soft....The incline down caused the nosewheel to collapse. Then the propeller struck the ground along with the left wingtip. At impact a fuel line had ruptured which caused most of my fuel to leak into the ground.

Postaccident examination by the FAA Inspector revealed no discrepancies with the airframe or engine. Additionally, there was no fuel in the fuel lines, and the fuel gascolator was dry. There was a residual amount of fuel found in the fuel tanks.

Additionally, the owner of the property stated that there was approximately one gallon of residual fuel on the ground, therefore no environmental protection agency clean up was conducted.