2013 Cessna 177A Collision with Terrain in Oklahoma (N30495)

Accident Overview and Flight History On October 18, 2013, at approximately 0045, a Cessna 177A, N30495, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain west of Clayton, Oklahoma. A post-impact fire followed, and the commercial pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to Eagle Sky Patrol, Inc., and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from Tahlequah Municipal Airport (KTQH) at 2349 on October 17 and was en route to Terrell Municipal Airport (KTRL). According to the pilot's family, the pilot had departed KTRL around 1000 on October 17, flew to Eldorado, Kansas, to pick up the accident aircraft, and then visited New Century, Kansas, and Davenport, Iowa, to inspect other airplanes. While en route to KTRL, the pilot stopped for fuel at KTQH. Security camera footage from KTQH showed the aircraft taxiing to the fuel pumps at 2333. The pilot exited the aircraft, positioned a ladder near the left wing, and walked away. He returned at 2338, fueled the left tank, performed actions consistent with a preflight inspection, and boarded the aircraft at 2346. The aircraft departed KTQH at 2349. The aircraft was reported overdue by a family member on the morning of October 18, and the Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert notification for a missing airplane. The wreckage was located on the afternoon of October 18, 2013.