On May 20, 2001, a Cessna 182E (registration N9344X) was involved in an aviation accident near Fallon, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a road sign during an emergency landing to a road. Contributing factors were the smoke created from a bird nest in the engine compartment, and the pilot's diverted attention due to an approaching car on the road. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot experienced a burning smell during cruise and landed on a highway. While avoiding a car, the airplane hit a road sign, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Bird nest remnants were found near the cabin heat intake.
Incident Details
A private pilot was flying a single-engine airplane when he noticed a smell of something burning. He decided to land on a highway as a precautionary measure. During the landing roll, the pilot saw a car approaching and attempted to steer the airplane toward the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision. The car driver apparently did not see the landing airplane. While concentrating on the car, the pilot failed to notice a sign positioned on the side of the road.
Sequence of Events
The airplane's right wing impacted the sign, causing the nose gear to collapse. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted on the highway. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed remnants of a bird nest located on top of the No. 1 cylinder near the cabin heating system air intake. The source does not specify any other findings or contributing factors.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 May 2001 Cessna 182E accident near Fallon, NV?
A private pilot experienced a burning smell during cruise and landed on a highway. While avoiding a car, the airplane hit a road sign, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Bird nest remnants were found near the cabin heat intake.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 May 2001 Cessna 182E accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 2001 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N9344X, at Fallon, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a road sign during an emergency landing to a road. Contributing factors were the smoke created from a bird nest in the engine compartment, and the pilot's diverted attention due to an approaching car on the road.
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