On April 6, 1982, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2114Q) operated by Craig R. Caruer was involved in an aviation accident near 10 East OF Till, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power during flight at 13,000 ft MSL. During a forced landing, it struck a dead tree. Examination found water and ice in the fuel system with no mechanical failure.
Accident Narrative
During flight at an altitude of 13,000 feet MSL, the engine began losing power. The aircraft was vectored toward Prospect Airport near Tiller, Oregon. Approximately two minutes later, all engine power was lost. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft struck a dead coniferous tree beside a logging road. Impact with the tree occurred at 117 feet AGL. The aircraft then impacted the ground 162 feet from the tree, coming to rest in an upright and relatively flat attitude. The elevation of the crash site was about 3,000 feet MSL.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical failure of the engine was evident. Inspection of the fuel system found that the right fuel cap was secured to the fuel cell, but it was difficult to remove and reinstall due to binding and improper seating. Rust was noted around the fuel cap and fuel cell filler neck, both above and below where the rubber grommet was seated. Several pieces of granular ice were removed from the right fuel cell. Additionally, water was found in both the fuel filter bowl and the fuel flow distributor.