# NTSB ANC87LA034: Cessna 182, N5312B, Paxson, AK, February 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1987, 21:30 local (Feb 5, 1987, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Paxson, AK
- Coordinates: 63.700782, -144.889389 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.7008&lon=-144.8894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4819
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4819/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA034

## Analysis

THE PVT PLT TOOK OFF AT NIGHT AND FLEW INTO INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS. HE HAD FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DIRECTION GYRO UNTIL THE ACFT ENTERED THE CLOUDS. THE ACFT CRASHED 32 MILES FROM THE DEPARTURE POINT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS BEING USED IN THE ACFT WITHOUT AN STC. THE TOP SPARK PLUGS WERE FOUND SOOT COVERED EVENTHOUGH THEY HAD BEEN CLEANED JUST PRIOR TO THIS FLT. A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE RIGHT WING FUEL TANK.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - improper
  - mixture - improper (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command
  - flight/nav instruments,directional gyro - locked (cause)
  - mixture control - improper (contributing factor)
  - mixture - improper
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - obscuration (cause)
  - preflight briefing service - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - became lost/disoriented - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5312B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5312B-2014-10-27), registration cancelled 2014-10-27, S/N 33312, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182
- Registry model: [Cessna 182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182) (registry code 2072702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3312
- Airframe hours: 3434
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jerry S. Low
- Registered owner: Patsy A. Low
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 26, 1986, 11 hours before
- Departed: 1AK4, VALDEZ CREEK, AK
- Destination: PAQ, PALMER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 609 total, 120 in this make and model, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870204001729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870204001729A), Feb 4, 1987: Cessna 182, Paxson, AK, Substantial damage. The engine lost power. The aircraft struck trees on landing. VFR pilot entered night IFR conditions. Carb icing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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