Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182K near Galena, AK — 2014-06-01

Final reportANC14LA034
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Date
2014-06-01
Location
Galena, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 182K
Registration
N2631R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which necessitated a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, during which the airplane flipped over and became partially submerged in water.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight to pick up and transport employees to a training class. After picking up all the employees, the pilot planned to make a fuel stop before continuing to the destination. The pilot reported that, as the airplane approached the airport and while flying level at 1,500 ft mean sea level, the engine began to run roughly and lose power. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but it had no effect. He then confirmed that the fuel selector was set to both and saw that the fuel totalizer indicated that about 22.8 gallons of fuel were remaining but that both fuel gauges were indicating near empty with little or no movement of the needles. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power, so the pilot chose to conduct a forced landing on a lake shoreline, during which the airplane flipped over, became partially submerged in water, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that at least five bladder fastening snaps in the left wing and three snaps in the right wing were unfastened; however, it could not be determined when the fuel bladder fasteners became unfastened; thus, it could not be determined if the bladder fastening snaps being unfastened led to the loss of engine power. Examination of the airplane revealed no other evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The atmospheric conditions that existed when the engine lost power were conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise power settings.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure from Kaltag.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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