Cessna 177 N3357T accident near Gillette, Wyoming

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to depart the high-density-altitude airport with the airplane at the maximum gross weight limit.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while taking off at maximum gross weight in high-density-altitude conditions, he believed he did not have the performance to clear the approaching rising terrain. Shortly after, about a mile from the end of the runway, the pilot initiated a 180° turn toward a field for a precautionary landing. During the landing flare, the airplane struck a hay bale and came to rest inverted. Subsequently, the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies.

An owner’s manual (OM) for a similar make and model of the airplane with an engine comparable to the accident engine reported that the maximum gross weight is 2,500. The OM allowed for the flap settings to be at 0° to 10°. The calculated takeoff distance from a hard surface with flaps 15° at a maximum weight of 2,500 pounds, and travelling at an indicated airspeed of 65 knots, was about 678 ft for the ground roll and about 1,524 ft total to clear a 50-ft obstacle (assuming 2,700 rpm, a 20-knot headwind, an altitude of 5,000 ft msl, and a temperature of 80°F). The calculated maximum rate of climb at a maximum gross weight of 2,500 pounds, and travelling at an indicated airspeed of 89 knots, was about 470 feet per minute at an altitude of 5,000 ft msl and temperature of 80°F. It is likely that the airplane did not have the performance to climb out of the airport environment due to the high-density altitude and being at maximum gross weight.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23FA289 for the full record.