On February 23, 1992, a Cessna 182N (registration N8948G) operated by Soil Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near San Ardo, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The operator believes water may have contaminated the fuel system after recent rains. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 182 nosed over in a soft soil cultivated field after experiencing a loss of engine power while surveying a wheat field for aerial spraying. The pilot attempted to regain power but continued the landing after power returned. No mechanical failure was found; water contamination was suspected.
Incident Overview
A Cessna 182 nosed over in a soft soil cultivated field after experiencing a loss of engine power. The incident occurred while the pilot was surveying a wheat field that was scheduled to be aerial sprayed the following day.
Sequence of Events
The pilot followed the emergency procedure and attempted to regain engine power but was unsuccessful. He then selected a cultivated field as a forced landing area. During the landing flare, the engine regained power; however, the pilot in command elected not to chance another loss of power and decided to continue the off-airport precautionary landing. The airplane nosed over when the nose gear sank in the soft soil during the landing roll.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined by the operator after the accident. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction found. The engine was operationally tested and ran without incident. The operator believes water may have contaminated the fuel system after recent rains.
Probable cause
The operator believes water may have contaminated the fuel system after recent rains.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Feb 1992 Cessna 182N accident near San Ardo, CA?
A Cessna 182 nosed over in a soft soil cultivated field after experiencing a loss of engine power while surveying a wheat field for aerial spraying. The pilot attempted to regain power but continued the landing after power returned. No mechanical failure was found; water contamination was suspected.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 1992 Cessna 182N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Feb 1992 involved a Cessna 182N, registration N8948G, operated by Soil Service, Inc., at San Ardo, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The operator believes water may have contaminated the fuel system after recent rains.
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