Incident Overview
On January 17, 2021, at about 1220 eastern standard time, a Cessna 177RG, registration N919DC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Richmond Hill, Georgia. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, she departed on a cross-country flight. While cruising at 5,500 ft above ground level, the engine stopped. She was able to restart the engine and radioed a mayday to air traffic control. Shortly after, the engine began losing power again, prompting a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the empennage contacted wood debris, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Postaccident Examination
An examination of the engine, ignition, vent, and fuel systems by an FAA inspector found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The left fuel tank was empty, and its drain lever was found in the closed position. The fuel selector was in the BOTH position at the accident site. The right fuel tank was full; approximately 35 gallons of fuel were drained from it. Neither tank was breached. The fuel selector showed no anomalies.
Fueling receipts from the fixed-base operator where the pilot departed indicated that the airplane was fueled with 34.8 gallons of avgas before departure.
Pilot Statement
In a telephone interview, the pilot reported that she had flown with the fuel selector in the BOTH position during the flight.
Aircraft Information
The Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Cessna 177RG states that the fuel selector valve handle should be in the BOTH position for takeoff, landing, and power-on maneuvers involving prolonged slips or skids. During prolonged climb or cruise with the selector in BOTH, an unequal fuel flow from each tank may occur if the airplane is out of trim directionally (slip indicator ball not centered) or if the fuel caps are not sealing properly. The resulting heaviness can be alleviated by turning the selector valve to the tank in the heavy wing.