What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-10 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N2074Q, at Valdosta, GA.

Pilot Maneuvers to Avoid Clouds, Encounters Severe Turbulence and Makes Emergency Landing (N2074Q)

On September 10, 1993, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2074Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Valdosta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF INFLIGHT WEATHER CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN THE INFLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH SEVERE TURBULENCE AND SUBSEQUENT OVERSTRESS OF THE AIRFRAME. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

While en route at 7500 feet, a pilot maneuvering to avoid clouds encountered severe turbulence, losing 4000 feet and sustaining airframe damage. After returning to departure airport, landing gear failed, forcing an off-runway emergency landing.

Incident

While en route at 7,500 feet, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid flying into clouds. As he maneuvered, he entered an area of severe turbulence. During the event, the airplane lost about 4,000 feet of altitude. The pilot recalled hearing the airframe pop and felt the airframe twist.

Damage and Return

After regaining control of the airplane, the pilot noticed some deformation to the wing assembly and airframe. Determining the damage, the pilot elected to return to his departure airport. Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot discovered that the landing gear would not extend.

Emergency Landing

The pilot executed an off-runway emergency landing in a grassy area parallel to the southwest runway.

Pilot Report

During a subsequent conversation with the pilot, he reported that he entered the area of turbulence about one mile from a cloud buildup. Visual weather conditions prevailed below the broken cloud layers.

1993-09-10: Cessna 177RG (N2074Q) — Valdosta, GA