Casualties unknown

2007-07-13: Cessna 180A (N5248D) — Redding, CA

Redding, CA, US

On July 13, 2007, a Cessna 180A (registration N5248D) was involved in an aviation accident near Redding, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision concerning fuel system management and his failure to refuel while en route. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed an emergency landing in a field after experiencing a loss of engine power on final approach. The right fuel tank was empty, and the left tank had about 6 gallons remaining; 5 gallons per tank is unusable in non-level flight.

Incident Overview

A personal cross-country flight departed from Arlington, Washington, with a brief stop in Grants Pass, Oregon. Departing Grants Pass at about 1100, the flight was bound for Redding, California. While on a 2.5-mile final approach to the destination airport, the engine experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing in a field.

Landing and Collision

During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a berm. No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Fuel Status

According to the investigation, just prior to the loss of power, the right fuel tank was empty and the left fuel tank contained approximately 6 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector was positioned on the "both" selection. The airplane's Owner's Manual specifies that 5 gallons of fuel is unusable per tank in non-level flight. The pilot did not refuel while en route.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070730X01045. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.