What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-20 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4796B, at Columbus, NM.

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing Near Columbus, New Mexico (N4796B)

On August 20, 1999, a Cessna 180 (registration N4796B) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation due to insufficient fuel, as stated by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot en route from Bullhead City, Arizona to Columbus, New Mexico experienced an engine power loss 3 miles from the destination, resulting in a forced landing on an unprepared surface and collision with a ditch. The pilot attributed the loss to fuel starvation.

Flight Planning

The pilot departed Bullhead City, Arizona, for Columbus, New Mexico, a distance of 461 nautical miles. He calculated an average ground speed of 120 knots, resulting in an estimated time en route of 3 hours and 45 minutes. The pilot anticipated a fuel burn between 10.5 and 11.0 gallons per hour. With 55 gallons of usable fuel, the aircraft had an endurance of 4.5 to 5.0 hours.

Fuel Management

Before departure, the pilot instructed airport personnel at Bullhead City to refuel the airplane but to 'leave it down two inches.' No further details about the actual fuel quantity on board were provided.

Accident Sequence

When the airplane was approximately 3 miles from the airport in Columbus, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing on an unprepared surface, during which the aircraft collided with a ditch.

Pilot Statement

In his account, the pilot stated that the engine likely lost power due to 'fuel starvation.'

Probable cause

Fuel starvation due to insufficient fuel, as stated by the pilot.

1999-08-20: Cessna 180 (N4796B) — Columbus, NM