# NTSB CHI06CA176: Cessna 182A, N4780D, Jackson, MI, July 6, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 6, 2006, 12:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Jackson, MI
- Coordinates: 42.259723, -84.459442
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2597&lon=-84.4594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64265
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA176
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64265/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA176

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning which led to the exhaustion of the fuel supply during the flight.  The overload failure of the nose landing gear was a factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Gear collapsed, emergency landing
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The airplane was damaged during a forced landing to a road following a loss of engine power.  The pilot stated that he had amended his route of flight to land at a nearby airport for fuel.  He stated that shortly after receiving a landing clearance, the engine lost power.  He stated that he elected to land on a road because he realized he would not be able to make the airport.  During the landing, the pilot saw a road sign that he didn't think he could clear so he elected to land on the grass adjacent to an exit ramp.  During the landing, the nose landing gear broke off of the airplane.  Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no useable fuel remaining in the airplane.  An interview of the pilot by the inspector revealed that the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to the flight.

## Factual narrative

The airplane was damaged during a forced landing to a road following a loss of engine power.  The pilot stated that he had amended his route of flight to land at a nearby airport for fuel.  He stated that shortly after receiving a landing clearance, the engine quit.  He stated that he elected to land on a road because he realized he would not be able to make the airport.  During the landing, the pilot saw a road sign that he didn't think he could clear and so the pilot elected to land on the grass adjacent to an exit ramp.  During the landing, the nose landing gear broke off of the airplane.  Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no useable fuel remaining in the airplane.  An interview of the pilot by the inspector revealed that the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to the flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4780D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4780D-2008-05-23), registration cancelled 2008-05-23, S/N 34880, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 182A
- Registry model: [Cessna 182A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182a) (registry code 2072704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34880
- Airframe hours: 2906
- Engines: Continental O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 2006, 34 hours before
- Departed: PTK, PONTIAC, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2004; flight hours: 161 total, 83 in this make and model, 95 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20060706015869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060706015869A), Jul 6, 2006: Cessna 182A, Jackson, MI, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft engine quit operating due to fuel exhaustion resulting in an off airport landing accident.

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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