# NTSB LAX85LA350: Cessna 182A, N5879B, Santa Paula, CA, August 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1985, 11:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Santa Paula, CA
- Coordinates: 34.40055, -119.070144 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4006&lon=-119.0701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24801
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA350
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24801/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA350

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLT THE ACFT EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION AND COLLIDED WITH GROUND OBSTRUCTIONS DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN A RIVER BED. THE PLT SAID 4 HRS AND 20 MNS OF ENGINE RUN TIME HAD ELAPSED SINCE THE LAST FUELING OF THE ACFT. AT THE LAST FUELING, THE PLT SAID HE ORDERED THE ACFT 'TOPPED,' HOWEVER, DID NOT VISUALLY CHECK THE FUEL LEVEL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE POWER LOSS, THE PLT SAID BOTH FUEL GAGES INDICATED ONE-QUARTER OF A TANK EACH. SUBSEQUENT TESTING OF THE FUEL QUANTITY MEASURING SYSTEM REVEALED THAT THE LEFT SYSTEM WAS INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED AND THE GAGE INDICATED ONE NEEDLE WIDTH BELOW THE ONE-QUARTER INDICIES WHEN THE TRANSMITTER WAS IN THE EMPTY POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5879B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 33879
- Airframe hours: 3855
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 SERIES 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Three Forks Flying Club, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 13, 1984, 100 hours before
- Departed: PRB, PASO ROBLES, CA
- Destination: SZP, SANTA PAULA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 505 total, 19 in this make and model, 455 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OXR, 19 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 19850816039369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850816039369A), Aug 16, 1985: Cessna 182A, Santa Paula, CA, Substantial damage. Collided with ground obstructions during forced landing due to fuel exhaustion. No visual check of fuel.

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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