Summary
The recent experience of the pilot had been acquired in a Piper PA28-235 aircraft owned by the company with
which he was associated. He had not previously flown the Cessna 177 model but this type was included in a
group of aircraft endorsed on his licence. Before the flight he was briefed by the owner on the handling
characteristics of the aircraft and after normal pre-flight preparation, he and the passenger boarded the aircraft
and taxied to the 334 degrees strip. Conditions at the time were hot and moderately gusty with the
temperature about 90 degrees F and a north westerly wind of 8 to 12 knots. After checking the engine performance
the pilot was not satisfied with the operation of the carburettor heat control and taxied back to the
apron. The aircraft owner reassured him of the serviceability of the system and the pilot again taxied to the
334 degrees strip from which, after a further check of engine and flight controls, the aircraft took off. After
becoming airborne, the aircraft assumed what appeared to be a normal climb straight ahead, but at a height of
100 to 150 feet it began a turn to the left with an angle of bank of about 15 degrees. The turn continued through
approximately 110 degrees then the nose suddenly dropped as the angle of bank increased and the aircraft, still
turning, dived to the ground. The passenger was able to escape from the cabin before the wreckage was destroyed
by fire, but was prevented by the flames from giving effective assistance to the unconscious pilot.
