# NTSB LAX87LA074: Cessna 182F, N3587U, Wickenburg, AZ, January 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1987, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Wickenburg, AZ
- Location: 33.9858° N, 112.7683° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wickenburg, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9858&lon=-112.7683&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25494
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25494/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA074

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE ENGINE QUIT APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES WEST OF THE WICKENBURG AIRPORT AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING OFF THE ARPT IN A FIELD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE FUEL TANKS REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT TANK WAS EMPTY AND NO FUEL DRAINED FROM THE SUMP. THE LEFT TANK HAD A TRACE OF FUEL BUT NOT DRAINED FROM THE SUMP.  THE PLT'S FLYING TIME WAS NOT AVAILABLE/NOT REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3587U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3587U-1990-04-17), registration cancelled 1990-04-17, S/N 18254987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182F
- Registry model: [Cessna 182F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182f) (registry code 2072714) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18254987
- Airframe hours: 2177
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Woodstock Flyers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 5, 1986, 2,144 hours before
- Departed: PO6, BULLHEAD, AZ
- Destination: E25, WICKENBURG, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870104000069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870104000069A), Jan 4, 1987: Cessna 182F, Wickenburg, AZ, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion and the pilot landed aircraft in an open field.

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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