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.
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.
