Accident Sequence
On March 15, 2018, about 1335 eastern daylight time, a privately owned and operated Cessna 177, N713CX, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb from Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida. The airline transport pilot incurred minor injuries and the two passengers were not injured. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight.
The pilot reported that the front-seat passenger, who held only a student pilot certificate and lacked an endorsement to fly that make and model solo, had recently purchased the airplane. The preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, and engine run-up were uneventful. During initial climb from runway 9, about 400 ft above ground level, the engine power suddenly reduced to idle. The pilot lowered the nose and made a shallow left turn to avoid trees and reach shallow water, but the airplane contacted powerlines and came to rest upright in a parking lot.
Wreckage Examination
Initial examination by an FAA inspector revealed that both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. Adequate fuel remained onboard and fuel had leaked after impact. Mixture and throttle control continuity was confirmed, and the fuel selector was positioned to both. The inspector could not rotate the propeller due to wreckage disposition.
Subsequent examination at a recovery facility by an FAA inspector and an NTSB investigator showed the engine intact and attached to its mounts, though the mounts and firewall were impact-separated. Accessories on the rear of the engine exhibited contact damage. The engine-driven fuel pump had an impact hole. One propeller blade was bent aft about midspan; both blades showed wire strike damage.
Top spark plugs were removed; electrodes were intact and light gray. Thumb compression and valve train continuity were established. Both magnetos produced spark when rotated. Air filter, fuel servo ducts, and fuel flow divider were clear; the diaphragm was intact. The fuel sump contained a small amount of gel; the fuel servo screen showed rust, consistent with the airplane sitting unused. The engine examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Aircraft Information
The four-seat, high-wing, fixed-tricycle-gear airplane was manufactured in 1968 and powered by a Lycoming IO-360, 200-horsepower engine with a two-blade, fixed-pitch Hartzell propeller. The student pilot purchased the airplane on October 16, 2017. The most recent annual inspection was completed on February 1, 2018, at which time the airframe had about 3,602 total hours and the engine had 1,771 hours since major overhaul. The airplane had flown about 2 hours since that inspection.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at EYW at 1253 was: wind from 030° at 14 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear sky; temperature 19° C; dew point 9° C; altimeter 30.17 inches of mercury.