Accident Details
On August 8, 2016, at approximately 1535 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177B, registration N30923, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain while maneuvering near McDonough, New York. The private pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated from Sidney Airport (N23), Sidney, New York, and was destined for Brookhaven Airport (HWV), Shirley, New York. The airplane was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to the pilot, before departure he filled the fuel tanks to a total of 50 gallons. The purpose of the flight was to return to HWV, where the airplane was based, while giving the three passengers an opportunity to view and photograph a local landmark en route. After making two passes over the landmark, the passengers requested another flyover at a slower speed. The pilot fully deployed the flaps in preparation. During the flyover, the pilot observed the airplane was slow and had descended to a height near the treetops. He added full power and fully retracted the flaps. The airplane did not appear to climb, and "in a wink of an eye the nose dropped." The pilot then found himself looking straight down at the ground, and his next recollection was the airplane on the ground. He and his passengers egressed before the airplane was consumed by a postimpact fire.
In initial statements to an FAA inspector, first responders, and an NTSB investigator, the pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies. However, in a subsequent written statement, he claimed that the engine experienced a total power loss prior to impact.
Witness Accounts
One passenger reported that he and the other two passengers were taking pictures of the landmark when he noticed the airplane descending and then hitting a tree. He did not recall hearing anything unusual before the accident.
Another witness, standing on the north side of the landmark, observed the airplane fly overhead three times. During the third flyover, the airplane was flying north very low near the treetops. He then heard the breaking of branches and a loud bang. He asked someone to call 911 while he helped the occupants out of the airplane. Shortly after everyone egressed, the airplane erupted in flames.
Wreckage and Weather
Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane was destroyed by fire. The engine remained intact but exhibited extensive thermal damage. All other components were unrecognizable.
Weather conditions reported at Greater Binghamton Airport, Binghamton, New York, located 16 nautical miles south of the accident site, at 1553 were clear sky, wind calm, and visibility 10 statute miles.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He also held a third-class medical certificate issued on June 24, 2016. His last flight review was completed on June 27, 2015. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported 378 total hours of flight experience, with 100 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.