1996-07-22: Cessna 180 — Memphis, TN

Casualties unknown • Memphis, TN, US

Probable cause

Inadequate annual inspection that resulted in the in-flight loss of the fuel system strainer and subsequent fuel starvation. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was cleared to land on runway 27 at Memphis International Airport. About 1-1/2 miles east of the airport the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot made a forced landing in a parking lot and collided with an automobile and a fence before coming to rest. An inspection revealed that the gascolator was missing, and the required safetywire for the gascolator was not found. The last inspection of the engine was done during the annual inspection in July of 1995. The aircraft had been flown 86 hours since the annual inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-22 Cessna 180 accident near Memphis, TN?

The pilot was cleared to land on runway 27 at Memphis International Airport. About 1-1/2 miles east of the airport the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot made a forced landing in a parking lot and collided with an automobile and a fence before coming to rest. An inspection revealed that the gascolator…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-22 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3122C, at Memphis, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inadequate annual inspection that resulted in the in-flight loss of the fuel system strainer and subsequent fuel starvation. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06160. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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