Flight History
On September 30, 2018, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177RG airplane, N46321, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near La Verne, California. The pilot was fatally injured, and the pilot-rated passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot-rated passenger, this was her first flight in the accident airplane. She was seated in the left front seat as the pilot had requested that he sit in the right seat. She recalled that the pilot wanted to obtain the automatic terminal information service (ATIS) information and weather at the airport before departure from Brackett Field Airport (POC). She also reported watching her husband depart immediately ahead of them in his airplane. The pilot-rated passenger could not recall other details of the flight. About 1 year after the accident, she stated that during the takeoff, the airplane was shaking so bad she wanted to take the controls but the pilot said he had it.
A review of air traffic control audio and radar recordings showed that the airplane taxied from the self-service fuel station, turned right onto taxiway S, then proceeded to the runup area near the approach end for runway 26L. The airplane made a 360° turn at the runup area and parked facing the runway. The pilot then contacted the tower controller and requested clearance for takeoff and left closed traffic. The tower controller granted takeoff clearance. The airplane then taxied onto runway 26L and started its departure. A witness at the airport said that, as the airplane was on the takeoff roll, he heard backfiring and that it was "real loud, like firecrackers." He reported that the airplane continued the takeoff and the landing gear was retracted. About 1 minute 30 seconds after the takeoff clearance was granted, the pilot requested a return to the airport due to an engine problem. After crossing the departure end of runway 26L, the airplane turned right towards runway 8L. The last radar return showed the airplane at a ground speed of 57 knots, and a heading of 353°. The witness reported that the airplane descended in a steep nose-down attitude until it went out of sight. Radar data showed that the airplane climbed to a maximum altitude of about 50 to 75 ft agl.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The accident site was located about a tenth of a mile from the departure end of runway 26L. Examination revealed that the airplane impacted level terrain on the airport property at an elevation of 955 ft mean sea level (msl) that was used as a plant nursery. The debris field was about 40 ft wide and about 70 ft long and was oriented on a heading of about 353° magnetic. The airplane was oriented on a magnetic heading of about 265° magnetic. The first identified point of impact was a small area of disturbed ground of about 24 inches by 12 inches. A portion of the left wing-tip cap was found nearby. About 40 ft from the first identified point of impact and heading towards the airplane was a series of disturbed ground and cut water irrigation lines. All the control surfaces were found at the accident site. Ground scars were observed extending back from the wreckage about 85 ft on a bearing of about 173°. Numerous small components consisting of composite wing-tip fragments, red navigation light glass, and aluminum fragments were found strewn along the disturbed ground.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Flight control cable continuity was attained from the rudder and elevator flight control surfaces to the cabin controls. Flight control cable continuity of the ailerons was attained from the ailerons to the instrument panel, where cuts were made during rescue operations. Elevator trim control continuity was attained. The trim actuator was extended about 1.2 inches, consistent with about 5° nose-up trim. The flap handle was found in the 20° position. The flap actuator was at 3 inches, consistent with about 5° extended.
First responders reported a significant amount of fuel leaking from the breached left wing. Approximately one gallon from each wing fuel tank was captured and was subsequently tested negative for water contamination. According to Brackett Field's records, the most recent fuel purchased was dated the day of the accident, September 30, 2018 at 15:20 for 18.63 gallons. The amount of fuel in the tanks prior to this purchase was unknown.
Examination of the throttle cable revealed that the throttle cable shroud had slipped off the retention ball. The throttle cable to carburetor assembly was shipped to the NTSB Materials Laboratory, Washington DC for further examination. The examination revealed that the throttle sheath had detached from the mating ball mount; the surface of the ball mount had light scoring consistent with movement against the mating throttle sheath. Safety wire was observed wrapped around the base of the ball mount. A portion of the safety wire was tucked against the side of the ball mount that mated to the throttle sheath. The end of the throttle sheath that mated to the ball mount was slightly out of round.
Additional Information
According to the Owner's Manual for a Cessna 177RG, the stall speed for flaps up, power off, is 66 miles per hour (mph). The stall speed for flaps down, power off, is 57 mph.
The County of Los Angeles, Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, Los Angeles, California, conducted an autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was listed as "multiple blunt force injuries". Toxicological testing conducted by the FAA Forensic Science Laboratory revealed amlodipine and carvedilol in the pilot's blood and urine, and pioglitazone in the blood. Amlodipine and carvedilol are blood pressure control medications that are not generally considered impairing. Pioglitazone is used to treat diabetes. The pilot reported that he was using metformin and pioglitazone for diabetes. The pilot's usage of metformin and pioglitazone were within the FAA's acceptable combination of diabetes medication.