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Engine Power Loss During Approach Leads to Off-Airport Landing and Substantial Damage (N52581)

Nampa, ID, US

On August 14, 2007, a Cessna 182P (registration N52581) was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power due to the carburetor throat becoming obstructed with paint that had pealed off of the induction air inlet channel in an area where paint should not have been applied. 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

After losing engine power on base leg, a pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During rollout, the aircraft hit an earthen berm, causing substantial damage. Investigation found carburetor clogged with paint strips from the air inlet.

Accident Details

While turning from downwind to base leg, the pilot advanced the throttle and experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot conducted a forced landing in a flat open field located off the approach end of the runway. The initial touchdown was uneventful; however, during the rollout, the aircraft encountered an earthen berm and sustained substantial damage.

Investigation Findings

A post-accident inspection revealed that a significant portion of the carburetor throat was clogged with strips of paint. These paint strips had separated from the induction air inlet channel aft of the air filter. Further inspection of the air inlet channel uncovered other large areas of partially peeled paint.

The aircraft had been repainted approximately four months prior to the accident. According to the aircraft manufacturer, the surface of the inlet channel aft of the filter is not painted during the manufacturing process, and it should not be painted when new paint is applied to the airframe structure.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Aug 2007 Cessna 182P accident near Nampa, ID?

After losing engine power on base leg, a pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During rollout, the aircraft hit an earthen berm, causing substantial damage. Investigation found carburetor clogged with paint strips from the air inlet.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Aug 2007 Cessna 182P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Aug 2007 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N52581, at Nampa, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power due to the carburetor throat becoming obstructed with paint that had pealed off of the induction air inlet channel in an area where paint should not have been applied. Factors include an earthen berm running across the field where the pilot made his forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071003X01492. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.