Incident Overview
On July 28, 2018, at approximately 1023 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177 airplane, registration N3477T, was substantially damaged in an accident near San Diego/El Cajon, California. The private pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the takeoff and initial climb were normal until reaching about 100 feet above ground level, when the engine began to lose power. He lowered the airplane's nose to prevent a stall, which he stated "resulted in a return to full power." As the airplane neared the end of the 2,738-foot-long runway, the pilot raised the nose again; the engine then experienced a "severe" loss of power and the airplane impacted a dirt field at the departure end of the runway. The airplane slid on the ground for about 100 yards before coming to rest adjacent to a taxiway.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Engine Monitor Data
Review of data from the airplane's engine monitor indicated that engine power was increased to a takeoff setting of 2,550 rpm; the engine maintained that setting or higher for about 30 seconds. The final data points showed a fuel flow of zero, consistent with the engine being shut off.
Witness and Cargo Information
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector spoke to several witnesses who observed the pilot removing belongings from the accident airplane, including wooden crates full of avocados. The pilot confirmed he had a "substantial amount" of cargo on board and stated he did not calculate a weight and balance for the flight.