Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182 near Ojai, CA — 2010-08-24

Final reportWPR10FA423
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Date
2010-08-24
Location
Ojai, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 182
Registration
N3850D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The airplane was on the return leg of a cross-country flight and the pilot added about 16 gallons of fuel before departure. During the flight, he noticed that the alternator-out light was illuminated, and the voltmeter indicated a discharge, but this would not have affected the already-running engine. The airplane was in cruise flight at 7,500 feet mean sea level when it suddenly lost engine power; the pilot said that the power did not decrease gradually or sputter. The pilot indicated that he tried numerous methods to restart the engine without success. The direct-sight fuel gauges were indicating between the 1/4 and 1/3 levels. The airplane was losing altitude, and the pilot decided to try to land on a golf course. He left the flaps in the up position to extend his glide. During the final stage of the descent, the right wing hit a tree. After touchdown, the airplane hit a bush and spun around before coming to a stop. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The environmental conditions were not conducive to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have cycled carburetor heat control to attempt engine restart.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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