On March 25, 1985, a Cessna 177 (registration N52690) was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine quit due to a fuel system obstruction caused by foreign debris and small insects. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The engine quit on downwind leg, forcing a landing on soft terrain where the left main gear collapsed after fuel system blockage by debris and insects was found.
What happened
The aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of power while flying on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. Unable to glide back to the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing on soft terrain located off the approach end of the runway. Upon impact and during the subsequent slide to a stop, the left main landing gear collapsed and the nose wheel broke off.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel system was obstructed by foreign debris and small insects. This blockage prevented proper fuel flow, leading to the engine failure.
Probable cause
The engine quit due to a fuel system obstruction caused by foreign debris and small insects.