Cessna 177 N2994X accident near Willow Spring, Arizona

Probable cause

The airplane’s loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was on a cross-country flight and had climbed to his en route cruising altitude. The airplane continued at that altitude for about 10 minutes and then the engine sustained a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of power while preparing for an off-airport landing. He estimated the airplane had about 23 gallons of fuel at this time. The pilot intentionally pulled back on the controls to deplete airspeed and avoid contacting a boulder during the forced landing. The airplane stalled, impacted the terrain, and came to rest inverted in a field.

Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of leakage in the fuel system, but only trace amounts of fuel were found throughout the system and the 23 gallons could not be accounted for. It is unknown if the fuel egressed from the system after impact. The throttle cable was attached to the carburetor arm but was damaged and could only move slightly when manipulating the control knob in the cockpit (full travel was not possible). However, the pilot reported manipulating the throttle following the power loss; therefore, the throttle cable damage most likely occurred as a result of the impact.

The air intake tubing was partially crushed and evidence was found of it having been modified. It is unknown if a lack of air to the carburetor contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA060 for the full record.