FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Seizure After Runaway Prop Leads to Forced Landing (N2797V)

Colorado Sprngs, CO, US

On September 11, 1996, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2797V) was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Sprngs, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of maintenance personnel to install one of two required gaskets and a governor pad as required by Textron Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1438, dated July 9, 1987, which allowed engine oil to be depleted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A maintenance test flight ended when the engine seized after a reported runaway prop. The pilot overshot a soccer field and landed on a street, colliding with two vehicles. Missing gaskets caused oil depletion.

Incident Details

The aircraft had a factory overhauled engine installed and was on a maintenance test flight. Eleven minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported a runaway propeller. Shortly thereafter, the engine seized. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but determined he was too far away. He selected a soccer field for a forced landing but misjudged airspeed and altitude, overshooting the field. The pilot landed on a street and collided with two vehicles.

Maintenance Error

Removal of the propeller governor revealed that maintenance personnel had failed to install one of two required gaskets and a governor pad, as specified by Textron Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1438, dated July 9, 1987. This omission allowed engine oil to be depleted, leading to the engine seizure.

Conclusion

The accident was caused by maintenance personnel's failure to install the proper gaskets and governor pad during the engine installation.

Probable cause

Failure of maintenance personnel to install one of two required gaskets and a governor pad as required by Textron Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1438, dated July 9, 1987, which allowed engine oil to be depleted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1996 Cessna 177RG accident near Colorado Sprngs, CO?

A maintenance test flight ended when the engine seized after a reported runaway prop. The pilot overshot a soccer field and landed on a street, colliding with two vehicles. Missing gaskets caused oil depletion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1996 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N2797V, at Colorado Sprngs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of maintenance personnel to install one of two required gaskets and a governor pad as required by Textron Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1438, dated July 9, 1987, which allowed engine oil to be depleted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06730. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.