No fatalities

Engine Power Loss During Practice Stall Leads to Forced Landing and Fire (N6490V)

Simi Valley, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 30, 1985, a Cessna 303 Crusader (registration N6490V) operated by Gunnell Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Simi Valley, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power (total) on both engines: mechanical failure/malfunction of the right engine due to fuel system and turbocharger leaks, improper maintenance/installation, and fuel starvation from temperature extremes; non-mechanical fuel starvation on the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and CFI experienced a violent yaw and loss of power on both engines during a practice stall recovery. Forced landing resulted in collision with trees and fire. Post-accident inspection found discrepancies on the right engine.

Accident Sequence

During a training flight, a student pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) were practicing stalls. According to the student pilot, the flight was normal until the throttles were advanced to recover from a practice stall, at which point a violent right yaw developed. The CFI assumed control and attempted recovery, but a substantial loss of power occurred on both engines. A forced landing was executed in a field. During the landing, the left wing struck trees, and the aircraft was subsequently engulfed in flames.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the left engine revealed no discrepancies. However, the right engine exhibited two discrepancies: a crack extending approximately 50% of the circumference of the fuel controller fuel line tee fitting, consistent with ductile overload, and a leakage covering about 70% of the inlet-side turbocharger gasket. The aircraft had a history of fuel vaporization symptoms that subsided with use of the auxiliary fuel pump, as recommended by the engine manufacturer. It is unknown whether the auxiliary pump was used during the accident flight.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation identified multiple occurrences. Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power (total) due to mechanical failure/malfunction, with findings including a fuel system line leak, improper maintenance/installation (manufacturer), turbocharger leak, cracked fuel line fitting, fuel starvation, and temperature extremes. Occurrence #2: Loss of engine power (total) non-mechanical, due to fuel starvation and temperature extremes. Occurrence #3: In-flight collision with trees during descent. Occurrence #4: In-flight collision with terrain during landing.

Probable cause

Loss of engine power (total) on both engines: mechanical failure/malfunction of the right engine due to fuel system and turbocharger leaks, improper maintenance/installation, and fuel starvation from temperature extremes; non-mechanical fuel starvation on the left engine from temperature extremes; resulting in a forced landing and collision with trees and terrain.