On July 1, 1995, a Cessna 177B (registration N13734) was involved in an aviation accident near Nappanee, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to do adequate preflight planning and failure to refuel when he had the opportunity. A factor in the accident was the soft field due to recent rains. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot departed with fuel gauges indicating half full, performed a full-stop landing without refueling, then a practice approach and missed approach. Engine sputtered, forced landing in soft field resulted in nose-over.
Incident Details
The pilot began the flight with fuel gauges showing half full. He completed one full-stop landing but did not refuel. On the return leg, after executing a practice approach and missed approach procedure, the engine sputtered. The pilot decided to shut down the engine and conduct a forced landing.
Landing and Outcome
The landing occurred in a bean field. Recent rains had left the ground soft. During the landing roll, the nose wheel dug into the soil, causing the aircraft to flip over onto its back.
Post-Inspection Findings
During subsequent inspection, both wing tank sumps were drained. Each sump contained approximately one-third cup of fuel.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1995 Cessna 177B accident near Nappanee, IN?
Pilot departed with fuel gauges indicating half full, performed a full-stop landing without refueling, then a practice approach and missed approach. Engine sputtered, forced landing in soft field resulted in nose-over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N13734, at Nappanee, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the pilot to do adequate preflight planning and failure to refuel when he had the opportunity. A factor in the accident was the soft field due to recent rains.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…