# NTSB ATL87LA224: Cessna R182, N737ZZ, Calera, AL, July 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 25, 1987, 06:45 local (11:45 UTC)
- Place: Calera, AL
- Coordinates: 33.100734, -86.749168 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1007&lon=-86.7492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7493
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA224
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7493/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA224

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - powerplant - surge (contributing factor)
  - stall - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A FORCED LDG ATTEMPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE OBSERVED THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATING NEAR EMPTY SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE. AS HE EXECUTED A 'STEEP' 180 DEG TURN BACK TOWARD THE ARPT, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND 'QUIT'. DURING HIS SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPT TO LAND IN A FIELD, THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE AIRPLANE 'TOOK OFF' ON HIM INTO NEARBY TREES. HE PULLED THE POWER BACK AND DELIBERATELY STALLED THE AIRPLANE INTO THE TREES. THE PILOT NOTED THAT HE DID NOT VISUALLY CHECK THE FUEL QUANTITY DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737ZZ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N737ZZ), registered now, S/N R18200901, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA R182
- Registry model: [Cessna R182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-r182) (registry code 2072734) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R18200901
- Airframe hours: 1350
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Clifford T. Gregg
- Registered owner: Clifford T. Gregg
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 21A, ALABASTER, AL
- Destination: A09, MARION, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 160 total, 40 in this make and model, 120 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported

## 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 19870725038679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870725038679A), Jul 25, 1987: Cessna R182, Calera, AL, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climb. No fuel. Forced landing. Switch not turned off. Engine restarted. Stalled aircraft into trees

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

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