Probable cause
The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the berm encountered during the forced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he took off and departed the airport traffic pattern. He stated that about two minutes after reducing power, the engine lost power. He stated that he checked the mixture and applied carburetor heat to no avail. He then announced his emergency and attempted to return to the departure airport. During the glide, he determined that he would not be able to make the airport and elected to land in a soccer field. After touchdown, he braked hard, but the airplane struck a berm which tore the nose landing gear from the airplane. Subsequent examination of the engine, carburetor, fuel selector valve, fuel shutoff valve, and the remainder of the fuel system failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA188 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rhinelander, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177A
- N-number
- N2295Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.