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Engine Power Loss During Final Approach Results in Forced Landing into Trees (N9115C)

Bellingham, WA, US

On February 24, 2007, a Cessna 180 (registration N9115C) was involved in an aviation accident near Bellingham, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the trees. 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 an engine power loss at 400 feet on final approach, leading to a forced landing into trees. Damage included bent fuselage and wrinkled engine firewall. No engine examination was conducted.

Accident Narrative

A pilot was on final approach to the destination airport when the engine lost power. The pilot reported that everything operated normally until the aircraft descended to approximately 400 feet above ground level. At that altitude, the engine suddenly ceased to produce power. The pilot responded by landing straight ahead, which resulted in the aircraft entering a treed area.

Damage Description

An inspection after the accident documented that the fuselage structure and the engine firewall were bent and wrinkled. Both wing leading edges showed impact damage consistent with striking tree branches or trunks. No further details regarding damage to other components were provided.

Postaccident Investigation

The investigation did not include an examination of the engine. No attempt was made to run the engine after the accident. Consequently, the specific reason for the power loss was not identified through mechanical analysis. The pilot's account remains the primary source of information regarding the sequence of events.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 2007 Cessna 180 accident near Bellingham, WA?

A pilot reported an engine power loss at 400 feet on final approach, leading to a forced landing into trees. Damage included bent fuselage and wrinkled engine firewall. No engine examination was conducted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 2007 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9115C, at Bellingham, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070412X00405. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.