Accident Overview
On October 8, 2015, at 1320 central daylight time, a Cessna 177RG (registration N1542H) experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight after departure from Red Oak Municipal Airport (RDK), Red Oak, Iowa. The private pilot performed a forced landing to a field during an attempted return to RDK. The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during the forced landing. The private pilot and a passenger were uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. A flight plan had been filed but not activated. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from RDK and was destined for Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after departing from RDK, the airplane began to vibrate while climbing through 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl) toward a filed cruise altitude of 7,000 feet msl. The pilot leveled the airplane at 3,000 feet msl; the indicated fuel flow was 12 gallons per hour (gph) when it should have been 16 gph. The fuel flow was "diminishing rapidly," so the pilot attempted to return to RDK. The airplane was losing altitude and had "minimal power" while flying at the best glide speed. At 1,500 feet above ground level, the pilot lowered the landing gear, extended full flaps, and turned into the wind to land on a cut bean field below. The airplane touched down and then rolled into a corn field.
Damage and Examination
Damage to the airplane included inward crushing of the right wing leading edge from mid-span outward, and damage to the left horizontal stabilizer leading edge. The airplane was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D engine (serial number L-13859-51A). Examination by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors from the Des Moines Flight Standards District Office revealed that the number three engine cylinder intake pipe had come loose and was completely missing bolts. Additionally, seven of the eight bolts holding the number three cylinder were broken loose. The missing intake bolts could not be located for examination.
Maintenance History
An engine logbook entry dated February 9, 2012, at a tachometer time of 3,070 hours and an engine time since major overhaul (SMOH) of 957.2 hours, stated, "Replaced #3 intake gasket." The engine underwent its last annual inspection on April 5, 2015, at a tachometer time of 3,377 hours and an engine time SMOH of 1,258.2 hours. The last engine logbook entry was dated August 19, 2015, at a tachometer time of 3,430.3 hours, for an engine oil and engine filter change. All maintenance entries were signed by the same airframe and powerplant mechanic.