Accident Overview
On October 2, 2020, at about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180E, registration N8678X, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Princeton, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported departing Moses Lake, Washington, at about 0900 with an estimated 44 gallons of fuel. En route, he climbed to 11,500 feet mean sea level to stay above smoke and leaned the fuel/air mixture accordingly. Upon arrival near the intended destination, he planned a low reconnaissance over a road to assess its suitability for landing.
He entered a traffic pattern to land to the west. After observing automobile traffic on the road, he initiated a go-around. At approximately 100 to 120 feet above ground level, he advanced the throttle to full power. The engine rpm temporarily increased, then the engine “coughed” about three times and did not produce the expected power. Faced with rising terrain ahead, he opted to land immediately. The airplane touched down hard in dirt about 40 feet south of the road. During the landing, the airplane crossed the road and the landing gear separated. Damage included the left wing, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.
Post-Accident Findings
During recovery, the pilot drained about 4 to 6 gallons of fuel from the airplane. He surmised additional fuel may have been lost from the overflow due to the airplane’s resting position. The pilot noted that the mixture knob was found in a very lean setting. He opined that he may have forgotten to enrich the mixture from the cruise setting, resulting in insufficient fuel flow when he added throttle during the go-around.
Examination
A postaccident examination conducted by the pilot, who is also a mechanic, revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.