Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182A near Casa Grande, AZ — 2013-09-14

Final reportWPR13LA408
Sign in to save
Date
2013-09-14
Location
Casa Grande, AZ, USA
Airport
KCGZ
Aircraft
CESSNA 182A
Registration
N6324B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during final approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he performed the landing checklist and confirmed that the carburetor heat was on. About 100 feet above ground level, he advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The pilot verified that the mixture, throttle, and propeller setting were in the full-forward position, but, despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. He subsequently initiated a forced landing to an open area. During the landing, the airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over. Seven gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank, and 11 gallons of fuel were found in the left fuel tank. A postaccident examination and operational run of the recovered engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the reported weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide power, the pilot reported that he used carburetor heat, which would have prevented the accumulation of ice. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have verified fuel levels before final approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

Related mishaps