CESSNA 180 near Kasilof, AK — 2015-08-23

Final reportANC15FA066

Date: 2015-08-23
Location: Kasilof, AK, USA
Airport: 5KS
Aircraft: CESSNA 180
Registration: N3043E
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Fatal
Fatalities: 2
Phase of flight: Maneuvering

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on postaccident examination and testing.

NTSB narrative

A witness stated that he saw the accident airplane operating at a low level over the beach. When the airplane was directly in front of him, it pitched up to about 45 degrees and climbed to about 100 ft above the trees located on the bluff overlooking the water. After lowering the nose to a level pitch attitude, he heard a reduction in engine power followed by a sound consistent with an engine misfiring. The airplane disappeared from view, and the engine noise ceased. Immediately after, a loud sound consistent with an impact was heard and a postimpact fire consumed the wreckage. Based on the witness statement, in combination with the absence of power signatures on the propeller in the wreckage, it is likely the engine was not producing rated power at the time of the accident. A NTSB postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An engine test run was conducted following the replacement of impact- and thermal-damaged components. The engine experienced a normal start and accelerated normally without any hesitation, stumbling, or interruption in power, and demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower.