Pilot Debrief

Cessna 180 near Richmond, VA — 2018-09-05

Final reportGAA18CA537
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Date
2018-09-05
Location
Richmond, VA, USA
Airport
RIC
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Registration
C-GODA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, on final approach, about 4 miles from the runway, the engine lost all power. He diverted to an open field, but during the approach, the airplane struck a power line and then impacted the field. The pilot further reported that, although he filled the fuel tanks before the flight, he misunderstood how long the airplane could fly with full fuel and thought that he had enough fuel to complete the flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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