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Engine Power Loss During Initial Climb Leads to Forced Landing (N6685M)

West Milford, NJ, US

On February 27, 2005, a Cessna 182P (registration N6685M) was involved in an aviation accident near West Milford, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel ice, during the initial climb after takeoff. 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

During initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The airplane descended, touched down near runway end, became airborne again, then struck trees and a power line before coming to rest 362 feet from departure end. Investigation found water and ice with contaminants in fuel system.

Accident Overview

During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane lost altitude and touched down approximately 20 feet from the end of the runway pavement. It became airborne again, then sank below the level of the runway and out of view. After striking several trees and a power line, the airplane came to rest next to a road, 362 feet northeast of the departure end of the runway.

Runway Conditions

Examination of the runway revealed that it had a 340-foot displaced threshold that had been marked as a taxiway due to encroachment in the airport safety zone.

Aircraft and Engine Examination

Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. However, water was obtained from the fuel strainer, and a large piece of ice with visible contaminants suspended in it was found attached to the filter assembly.

Storage and Maintenance

The airplane had been stored outdoors and had not flown for almost 6 months. The owner's manual stated that "if the aircraft is to be stored temporarily, or indefinitely, refer to the service manual for proper storage procedures." The service manual, in the returning aircraft to service section, instructed to "Check fuel strainer. Remove and clean filter screen."

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Feb 2005 Cessna 182P accident near West Milford, NJ?

During initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost all power. The airplane descended, touched down near runway end, became airborne again, then struck trees and a power line before coming to rest 362 feet from departure end. Investigation found water and ice with contaminants in fuel system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Feb 2005 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N6685M, at West Milford, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel ice, during the initial climb after takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050304X00268. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.