On August 9, 1984, a Cessna 177 (registration N3221T) was involved in an aviation accident near Sidney, OH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with terrain during a simulated forced landing when the engine did not respond to full throttle. Post-accident testing revealed a worn distributor block and bearings, and rough running on left magneto.
The Accident
During a simulated forced landing, the aircraft was descended from 3,000 ft AGL with the throttle at idle, full flaps, and carburetor heat on. While turning 180 degrees at approximately 300 ft AGL, the CFI raised the flaps, and the stall warning horn activated. The aircraft developed a high sink rate, and the CFI reached to advance the throttle but found it already advanced. The engine reportedly did not respond, and the aircraft descended to the ground, colliding with a corn field.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
After the accident, the engine was test run. It ran rough on the left magneto. Examination revealed that the distributor block and bearings were worn.