On October 27, 2005, a Cessna 180 (registration N20KK) was involved in an aviation accident near Manitowish Wate, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor to the accident was the trees the airplane impacted during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach, impacting trees and terrain. One gallon of fuel was drained post-accident; the engine ran normally when supplied with fuel.
Accident Sequence
The airplane suffered a loss of engine power while on final approach to Land O' Lakes (LNL). The pilot reported that he had filled the fuel tanks to capacity before the first flight of the day. He flew from Manitowish Waters (D25) to Ashland (ASX), then completed a 2.1-hour biennial flight review. After the review, he flew from ASX to LNL to pick up a passenger and then returned to D25. While on final approach to D25 at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the airplane struck trees and terrain.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the accident, one gallon of fuel was drained from the airplane. No evidence of fuel spill or drainage was observed at the accident site. The engine was subsequently started and operated without anomalies when supplied with fuel. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to departing on the accident flight.
What happened in the 27 Oct 2005 Cessna 180 accident near Manitowish Wate, WI?
An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach, impacting trees and terrain. One gallon of fuel was drained post-accident; the engine ran normally when supplied with fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Oct 2005 involved a Cessna 180, registration N20KK, at Manitowish Wate, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A factor to the accident was the trees the airplane impacted during the forced landing.
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