# NTSB LAX02FA198: Cessna 182Q, N33PA, Deer Valley, AZ, June 15, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report - Date: June 15, 2002, 07:20 local (14:20 UTC) - Place: Deer Valley, AZ - Coordinates: 33.688331, -112.082221 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6883&lon=-112.0822&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report June 8, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration, Cessna Aircraft Co., Teledyne Continental Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 54958 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX02FA198 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/54958/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=54958 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02FA198 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the takeoff initial climb, and, the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to return to the runway, which resulted in a stall. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall - encountered, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb and collided with terrain during an attempted return to runway maneuver. The pilot reported that about 200 to 300 feet above ground level there was a loud bang from engine area followed by a strong vibration. The pilot executed a left turn toward a landing area. The passenger reported that the airplane stalled after completing a 180-degree turn back towards the runway. The airplane impacted the ground in a 60-degree nose down attitude. A post accident examination of the airframe and engine found several discrepancies with the fuel system and the engine installation; however, none of these either individually or collectively would have caused the loss of power. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 15, 2002, at 0720 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182Q, N33PA, experienced a loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb and collided with terrain at Deer Valley, Arizona, airport. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was originating at the time and destined for Sedona, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he after he lifted off on runway 7L, and as the airplane achieved about 200 to 300 feet above ground level, there was a "loud bang" from the engine area followed by a strong vibration. The pilot further said that he executed a left turn with tower permission for emergency landing in field. He said that "Due to being low and slow I chose dirt area rather than asphalt runway to impact." According to the passenger's statement, the pilot stalled the airplane after completing a 180-degree turn back towards the runway. The airplane impacted the ground in a 60-degree nose down attitude. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The certificated private pilot reported a total flight time of 947 hours, with 872 hours in the Cessna 182. His most recent biennial flight review occurred on July 28, 2000, in the 182. The pilot's last documented third-class flight physical occurred on June 22, 2000. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION According to the pilot's report, the last annual inspection occurred on September 10, 2001, at 2,644.6 hours total time. At the time of the accident, the airframe had 2,696.2 hours total time, and 448 hours since an engine overhaul. The last documented engine logbook entry for an oil change by the owner was dated June 5, 2002, at a tachometer time of 196.1. The tachometer reading at the wreckage examination was 196.2. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The National Transportation Safety Board investigator did not respond to the accident site. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the approximate heading of the wreckage was 230 degrees magnetic. The wreckage was located approximately 200 feet short of runway 25R, and 300 feet right of the runway centerline. Impact crush angles were consistent with a 60-degree nose down attitude. TESTS AND RESEARCH Following recovery of the airplane to the facilities of Air Transport, Phoenix, Arizona, the airframe and engine were examined on July 23, 2002, and again on October 10, 2002. The engine examination revealed positive valve and gear train continuity. All cylinders revealed positive compression. Both magneto impulse couplings functioned at the appropriate times and both magnetos fired at all ignition leads. The carburetor was intact with mixture control impact damage. The metal float and needle valve were free to move. The carburetor was clean and clear of contamination. The throttle and mixture controls were attached. Examination of the sparkplugs, according to the Champion reference guide, revealed moderate wear to the electrodes with dark deposits in the area of the electrodes. The oil filter was clean and clear of foreign materials. The exhaust muffler was examined internally and found to be free of internal damage. The fuel filter was clean. The exhaust system and general engine compartment was examined for security. The number 6 intake and exhaust lifters were spalled, with the exhaust lifter being the worst of the two. The number 6 exhaust lobe of the camshaft was heavily worn. The right intake tube was found disconnected from the rubber coupling at cylinder number 1 just under the oil filter canister. One clamp was found to be missing from the coupling, but later found in the engine compartment. The clamp had failed at its band. Signatures at the clamp screw tower revealed a possible impact mark from the engine mount from the accident sequence. The Slick Electro magnetos were taken to an FAA approved accessory shop for functional testing. Nothing was found that would have prevented them from functioning properly. The flexible fuel hoses on the left tank lines were brittle and flaking apart. No fuel stains were observed around the lines. Both fuel caps were vented and their gaskets were hard. The fuel tank finger screens were free of debris. Some sediment was observed in the fuel strainer, but the screen was clean. No fuel was observed during the examinations, including in the fuel strainer and carburetor. The fuel selector was in the "Both" position. A box of engine spare induction hoses, clamps, and other parts were recovered from the baggage compartment of the airplane. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The wreckage was released to the insurance company representative on August 5, 2004. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N33PA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33PA-2002-08-30), registration cancelled 2002-08-30, S/N 18266220, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182Q - Registry model: [Cessna 182Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182q) (registry code 2072732) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18266220 - Airframe hours: 2696 - Engines: Continental O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Billy Eisenberg - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 2001 - Departed: DVT, Deer Valley, AZ - Destination: SEZ, Sedona, AZ - Airport: DVT, Deer Valley Municipal, runway 7L, 4,500 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review July 28, 2000; seat: left; flight hours: 947 total, 872 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 29.86 inHg - Observed at: SDL ## 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 20020615015159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020615015159A), Jun 15, 2002: Cessna 182Q, Phoenix, AZ, No damage. (.19) On June 15, 2002, at 0720 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182, N33PA, dragged a wing tip during a forced landing at the Deer valley, Arizona, airport.… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 21, 2005, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=54958. 1.4 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 331 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445587&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Powerplant Report (item 2, .PDF, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445588&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Powerplant%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Cessna Aircraft Report (item 3, .PDF, 527 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445589&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cessna%20Aircraft%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Continental Motors Report (item 4, .PDF, 43 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445590&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Continental%20Motors%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 5, .PDF, 43 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445591&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Engine Logbook Excerpts (item 6, .PDF, 231 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445592&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Logbook%20Excerpts-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Logbook Excerpts (item 7, .PDF, 176 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40445593&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Logbook%20Excerpts-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.