What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-03-29 involved a Cessna 177B, registration CGIJZ, operated by Betha Woods, at Aztec, NM.

Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Overturn on Dirt Road (CGIJZ)

On March 29, 1986, a Cessna 177B (registration CGIJZ) operated by Betha Woods was involved in an aviation accident near Aztec, NM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a cross-country flight from Saskatchewan to Mexico, the engine quit while cruising. The pilot executed a forced landing on a dirt road, but the aircraft struck a ditch and overturned during the landing roll.

Incident Overview

A pilot and one passenger departed Eston, Saskatchewan at 0600 local time, en route to Guaymas, Mexico for a vacation. The aircraft was refueled in Billings, Montana at 0900 and again at Grand Junction, Colorado. The pilot checked weather conditions, filed a VFR flight plan, and departed Grand Junction at 1430, bound for Tucson, Arizona.

Engine Failure and Forced Landing

While in cruise flight, the engine quit without warning. The pilot performed a forced landing onto a dirt road. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a ditch and subsequently overturned.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that a rubber gasket surrounding the air filter had deteriorated. The gasket was found lodged in the carburetor venturi. Additionally, a review of the aircraft's maintenance records disclosed that neither Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-15-03 nor the superseded AD 78-25-05 had been accomplished.

1986-03-29: Cessna 177B (CGIJZ) — Betha Woods — Aztec, NM

Incident Overview

Engine Failure and Forced Landing

Examination Findings

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