Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB ANC15FA066
CESSNA 180 — Kasilof, AK
| Date | August 23, 2015 |
| Location | Kasilof, AK |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 180 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Low altitude operation/event |
| Pilot age | 69 |
| Pilot total time | 1,678 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
What happened
A witness stated that he saw the accident airplane operating at a low level over the beach. When the airplane was directly in front of him, it pitched up to about 45 degrees and climbed to about 100 ft above the trees located on the bluff overlooking the water. After lowering the nose to a level pitch attitude, he heard a reduction in engine power followed by a sound consistent with an engine misfiring. The airplane disappeared from view, and the engine noise ceased. Immediately after, a loud sound consistent with an impact was heard and a postimpact fire consumed the wreckage.
Based on the witness statement, in combination with the absence of power signatures on the propeller in the wreckage, it is likely the engine was not producing rated power at the time of the accident.
A NTSB postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An engine test run was conducted following the replacement of impact- and thermal-damaged components. The engine experienced a normal start and accelerated normally without any hesitation, stumbling, or interruption in power, and demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower.