On August 7, 1995, a Cessna 195B (registration N2180C) was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the loss of engine power and fire could not be determined during the FAA examination. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an engine failure at low altitude during initial climb, producing smoke and fire before a safe forced landing was executed on the runway.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft was approximately 200 feet above ground level during the initial takeoff climb from runway 23 when the engine began to sputter and subsequently quit. Following the loss of power, smoke entered the cockpit, which was quickly followed by an engine fire. Despite these critical mechanical failures, the pilot managed to execute a forced landing directly ahead on the runway.
The investigation
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an examination of the airplane to determine the root cause of the power loss and subsequent fire. However, the examination could not be determined as the exact cause of the engine failure or the origin of the fire.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the loss of engine power and fire could not be determined during the FAA examination.