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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Maneuvering Flight After Takeoff (N1739R)

Sheffield, TX, US

On March 13, 1983, a Cessna 182RG (registration N1739R) was involved in an aviation accident near Sheffield, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during maneuvering flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced multiple engine power losses during a turn after takeoff from a ranch strip, resulting in a controlled descent into grassy terrain and minor damage to the nose gear.

What happened

Following takeoff from a private ranch strip, the pilot encountered an immediate loss of engine power while executing a turn. The engine restarted once the pilot leveled the wings, allowing the flight to continue. However, the engine cut out two additional times as the aircraft maneuvered over the airfield. The pilot maintained control and descended into adjacent grassy terrain, where the aircraft struck a rock, resulting in damage to the nose gear.

The investigation

Recovery personnel examined the wreckage and identified wrinkles in the wing fuel bladders. However, they did not document whether water was present in the fuel tanks during the recovery process.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during maneuvering flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of engine power. OR Fuel contamination (water) in the fuel system, as indicated by wrinkled fuel bladders, though the presence of water was not confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 1983 Cessna 182RG accident near Sheffield, TX?

An aircraft experienced multiple engine power losses during a turn after takeoff from a ranch strip, resulting in a controlled descent into grassy terrain and minor damage to the nose gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 1983 involved a Cessna 182RG, registration N1739R, at Sheffield, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during maneuvering flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of engine power. OR Fuel contamination (water) in the fuel system, as indicated by wrinkled fuel bladders, though the presence of water was not confirmed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42436. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.