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Pilot Reports Engine Failure During Short Approach, Nose-Over After Collision with Embankment (N5054R)

Bay St. Louis, MS, US

On July 2, 1997, a Cessna A185F (registration N5054R) operated by Jerry T. Gonsoulin was involved in an aviation accident near Bay St. Louis, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper short field landing procedure and use of full flaps prior to being assured of reaching the proper touchdown point, resulting in an in-flight collision with an embankment, and subsequent nose over. 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

A pilot reported that during a short approach with full flaps, the airplane began sinking; adding power caused the engine to quit. The airplane struck an embankment and nosed over. Fuel examination found low quantities in both tanks, with the selector on the left tank.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft was being flown on a short approach with full flaps deployed. During the approach, the airplane began to sink. The pilot added power in an attempt to arrest the descent, at which point the engine ceased operating. The airplane subsequently collided with an embankment and nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the fuel tanks was conducted following the accident. The left fuel tank contained approximately 2 quarts of fuel, while the right fuel tank contained approximately 2 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector valve was found positioned on the left fuel tank. Examination of the fuel system, ignition system, and fuel injection components revealed no anomalies; all inspected components of these systems operated normally.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the airplane was configured for a short approach with full flaps. The engine quit after power was added in response to the airplane sinking. No other operational issues were reported prior to the engine failure.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1997 Cessna A185F accident near Bay St. Louis, MS?

A pilot reported that during a short approach with full flaps, the airplane began sinking; adding power caused the engine to quit. The airplane struck an embankment and nosed over. Fuel examination found low quantities in both tanks, with the selector on the left tank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N5054R, operated by Jerry T. Gonsoulin, at Bay St. Louis, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper short field landing procedure and use of full flaps prior to being assured of reaching the proper touchdown point, resulting in an in-flight collision with an embankment, and subsequent nose over. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to improper fuel management…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08460. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.