# NTSB FTW92LA183: Cessna 180K, N66618, Curlew Island, LA, July 22, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1992, 19:15 local (Jul 22, 1992, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Curlew Island, LA
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18535
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18535/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA183

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, maneuvering
  - physical impairment(motion sickness), pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - sand bar
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING HIS AIRPLANE IN RIGHT TURNS FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES WHILE HIS PASSENGER PHOTOGRAPHED AN OIL DRILLING PLATFORM IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE PILOT BECAME NAUSEOUS AND ELECTED TO LAND HIS AIRPLANE ON A NEARBY ISLAND. THE LANDING WAS MADE TO THE SAND ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE PILOT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE DRY SECTION AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N66618](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N66618), registered now, S/N 18052950, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180K
- Registry model: [Cessna 180K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180k) (registry code 2072624) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052950
- Airframe hours: 8000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Allied Security Insur Agency
- Registered owner: Allied Security Insur Agency
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1992, 80 hours before
- Departed: 5R9, HOMEPLATE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 696 total, 100 in this make and model, 672 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19920721027399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920721027399A), Jul 21, 1992: Cessna 180K, Curlew Island, LA, Substantial damage. Became ill while circling offshore oil drilling rig on photo flight. Landed in soft sand on beach. Nosed over.

## Other investigations on N66618 (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW80DRD46](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80DRD46), Jul 7, 1980: Cessna 180 (N66618), Dulac, LA, substantial damage

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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