Accident Overview
On April 24, 2009, at about 0950 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177, registration N2803X, operated by a private individual, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in Kinston, North Carolina. The aircraft was on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight from Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK) in Norfolk, Virginia, to Henderson Field Airport (ACZ) in Wallace, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The certificated private pilot and one passenger were uninjured. The flight had departed CPK around 0820.
Flight Narrative
According to the pilot, while cruising at 2,900 feet with power set to 2,350 rpm en route to the destination, the engine suddenly began running rough with significant vibration. The pilot reduced power, which lessened the vibration, but the aircraft began losing altitude. Using the onboard GPS receiver, the pilot navigated toward the nearest airport. The exhaust gas temperature was observed decreasing. The pilot reduced power to maintain best glide airspeed of 70 knots, then attempted to increase power but found the response sluggish. After realizing that landing at the nearest airport was not possible, the pilot selected a large field for a forced landing. After touchdown in a plowed field, the aircraft came to rest upright.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve was broken. The top of the No. 1 cylinder and piston showed impact damage from the broken valve.
Maintenance Records
Review of maintenance records indicated that the engine was last overhauled on August 12, 1989, but the cylinders were not replaced at that time. The overhaul entry stated that the cylinders were only inspected and honed. There was no record of the No. 1 cylinder being removed and replaced since the overhaul. The engine had accumulated approximately 1,310 hours since overhaul at the time of the incident.