Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180H near St Maries, ID — 2012-10-07

Final reportWPR13LA005
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Date
2012-10-07
Location
St Maries, ID, USA
Airport
S72
Aircraft
CESSNA 180H
Registration
N2780X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while descending the airplane from cruise flight toward his destination airport, the engine began to make unusual sounds and then lost total power. Despite the pilot’s attempts, the engine would not restart, so he initiated a forced landing to a nearby dirt road. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions were not conducive to the formation of carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector position before attempting engine restart.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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