On March 23, 1985, a Cessna 180 (registration N91224) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's loss of power during takeoff, attributed to fuel contamination found in the fuel lines and left fuel tank, which led to a forced landing and collision with a snow bank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced engine power loss during takeoff, resulting in a forced landing into a snow bank that damaged the right wing and engine cowling.
What happened
The aircraft encountered an unexpected loss of engine power while in the initial climb phase after takeoff. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing on the available terrain. During this maneuver, the right wing struck a snow bank, causing the aircraft to yaw and subsequently damage the engine cowling.
The investigation
A post-acc examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage consistent with the impact described. Inspections of the fuel system identified contamination within the fuel lines and the left fuel tank. No other mechanical malfunctions were detected during the investigation that would account for the power loss.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the engine power loss during takeoff and the subsequent collision with the snow bank. The presence of fuel contamination in the system suggests a potential issue with fuel quality or filtration, although the exact mechanism of failure was not fully isolated beyond the noted contamination.
Probable cause
The engine's loss of power during takeoff, attributed to fuel contamination found in the fuel lines and left fuel tank, which led to a forced landing and collision with a snow bank.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Mar 1985 Cessna 180 accident near Kenai, AK?
An aircraft experienced engine power loss during takeoff, resulting in a forced landing into a snow bank that damaged the right wing and engine cowling.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Mar 1985 involved a Cessna 180, registration N91224, at Kenai, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine's loss of power during takeoff, attributed to fuel contamination found in the fuel lines and left fuel tank, which led to a forced landing and collision with a snow bank.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…