On September 12, 2007, a Cessna 180 (registration N4719B) was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the force landing attempt resulting in a stall-spin and the subsequent impact with the ground. A factor contributing to the accident was the engine failure for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported engine power loss one mile from the runway during a visual straight-in approach. Attempting a forced landing on a golf course, control was lost and the aircraft struck terrain. No anomalies found during examination.
Incident Overview
During a visual straight-in approach for landing, the pilot reported to the airport air traffic control tower that the engine had lost power approximately 1 mile from the end of the runway. The pilot then attempted to perform a forced landing on a nearby golf course.
Loss of Control and Impact
During the forced landing attempt, the pilot lost control of the airplane, and the airplane subsequently struck the terrain. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying "low" and "erratic." One witness observed the airplane as it approached an interstate, noting that it pulled up and banked left. Another witness described seeing a red airplane begin to weave, with the nose and then the tail descending, and the engine not running. The airplane landed nose first into the rough.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.