Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Trees During Forced Landing After Power Loss (N6490V)

Simi Valley, CA, US

On August 31, 1985, a Cessna T303 (registration N6490V) operated by Gunnell Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Simi Valley, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a practice stall recovery, a violent right yaw and substantial power loss on both engines led to a forced landing. The aircraft struck trees and was engulfed in flames. Post-accident examination revealed discrepancies on the right engine.

Accident Sequence

The student pilot reported that the flight was normal until a violent right yaw developed when the throttles were advanced to recover from a practice stall. The certified flight instructor (CFI) then took over the controls and attempted recovery, at which point a substantial loss of power occurred on both engines. A forced landing was made in a field, during which the left wing contacted trees and the aircraft was engulfed in flames.

Post-Accident Examination

Post-accident examination of the left engine failed to disclose any discrepancies. However, discrepancies were noted on the right engine: the fuel controller fuel line tee fitting was cracked around 50% of its circumference, characterized as ductile overload, and the turbocharger gasket on the inlet side of the turbine showed leakage on approximately 70% of the gasket area.

History of Fuel Vaporization

The aircraft had a history of symptoms of fuel vaporization, which subsided with use of the auxiliary fuel pump as suggested by the engine manufacturer. It is unknown whether the auxiliary pump was used during this accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37515. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.