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Power Loss on Approach Leads to Stall and Forced Landing (N9425C)

Denton, TX, US

On September 25, 1994, a Cessna 180 (registration N9425C) was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FUEL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF FUEL. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED WERE: THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING, AND THE PILOT'S EVASIVE MANEUVER. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N9425C
Aircraft registered N9425C. Photo: Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot experienced a complete power loss while applying 20 degrees of flaps during approach, leading to a forced landing on a dirt road. After spotting power lines, a shallow climb induced a stall, resulting in ground impact. Recovery drained 5 gallons from each wing tank; the flight manual states 2.5 gallons per side is unusable.

Incident Details

During an approach to his home airport, the pilot applied 20 degrees of flaps and experienced a complete power loss. Recognizing that he could not reach the runway, he elected to perform a forced landing to a dirt road.

Forced Landing and Stall

On short final, the pilot observed power lines and initiated a shallow climb to clear them. The consequent loss of airspeed led to an aerodynamic stall, and the airplane impacted the ground.

Pilot Observations

The pilot reported his belief that a fuel tank unported when he lowered the flaps. During recovery, 5 gallons of fuel were drained from each wing tank. According to the flight manual, 2.5 gallons per side is considered unusable.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1994 Cessna 180 accident near Denton, TX?

A pilot experienced a complete power loss while applying 20 degrees of flaps during approach, leading to a forced landing on a dirt road. After spotting power lines, a shallow climb induced a stall, resulting in ground impact. Recovery drained 5 gallons from each wing tank; the flight manual states 2.5 gallons per…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9425C, at Denton, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FUEL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF FUEL. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED WERE: THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING, AND THE PILOT'S EVASIVE MANEUVER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02260. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.