Cardinal 177/177RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 350; Flight Crew Type 10
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Human Factors; Aircraft
Upon takeoff pilot was unable to retract flaps. Pilot notified local traffic via UNICOM frequency that he was returning to land due to a flap issue. Two aircraft held short of runway. Pilot executed a normal landing. Prior to engine shut down; pilot checked circuit breakers again and the flaps breaker was blown; but not significantly raised to indicate that it was blown. When reset the flaps retracted normally. The flaps were cycled several times and the fuse did not trip again.
A C177B pilot reported flaps would not retract after takeoff. He returned for immediate landing and on the ground found the flaps breaker had opened.