# NTSB FTW85LA097: Cessna 182A, N5162D, Wichita Falls, TX, January 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1985, 18:55 local (Jan 18, 1985, 00:55 UTC)
- Place: Wichita Falls, TX
- Coordinates: 33.890621, -98.510116 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8906&lon=-98.5101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21657
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21657/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA097

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - compensation for wind conditions - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

PLT INTENTIONALLY RAN THE RT FUEL TANK EMPTY AND SWITCHED TO THE LEFT TANK WHICH WAS 1/2 TO 3/4 FULL ON TAKEOFF. PLT MAINTAINED A LEFT SIDE SLIP DURING THE LANDING APCH TO COMPENSATE FOR X-WIND CONDITIONS. PLT STATED, AT 400 FT AGL HE NOTICED A PWR LOSS. UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RWY, A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD. PERSONS KNOWLEDGABLE OF THIS ACFT STATED THE ENG WILL QUIT IF THE FUEL TANK WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE DIRECTION OF THE SIDE SLIP IS NOT FULL. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OCCURS DUE TO THE FUEL TANK OUTLET LINE BECOMING UNPORTED THUS ALLOWING AIR TO ENTER THE FUEL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5162D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5162D), registered now, S/N 51262, 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: 5162
- Airframe hours: 3400
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mike L. Duncan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: AUS, AUSTIN, TX
- Destination: F14, WICHITA FALLS, TX
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: F14, Wichita Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 415 total, 212 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 200° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SPS, 7 nm away

## 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 19850117000929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850117000929A), Jan 17, 1985: Cessna 182A, Wichita Falls, TX, Substantial damage. Side slipped on final with fuel selector on low wing tank. Fuel outlet unported, fuel starvation, engine quit.

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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