# NTSB LAX87LA221: Cessna 182G, N3274S, Avenal, CA, May 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1987, 17:30 local (May 30, 1987, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Avenal, CA
- Coordinates: 35.890003, -120.070487 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8900&lon=-120.0705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25598
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA221
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25598/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA221

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)
  - go-around - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A CESSNA 182G COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING LANDING ROLLOUT ON A DIRT ROAD. THE PILOT INDICATED DURING A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW THAT THE MANIFOLD PRESSURE GRADUALLY DROPPED TO 18 POUNDS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT LANDED THE AIRCRAFT ON A DIRT ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL BOTH WINGS COLLIDED WITH TREES. THE PILOT STATED, 'AFTER THINKING IT OUT I SUSPECT I ENCOUNTERED CARBURETOR ICE. I DID NOT PERFORM THE PROCEDURES.' THE PILOT INDICATED ON HIS PILOT/OPERATOR ACCIDENT REPORT THAT HE SUSPECTED A POWER LOSS WHILE OVER 4,343 FEET MSL HIGH MOUNTAIN. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A RIDGE .' THE PILOT ALSO INDICATED HE TOUCHED DN WITH TOO MUCH SPEED, SO HE ATTEMPTED TO LIFT OFF AGAIN, BUT COULD NOT GAIN ALTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3274S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3274S-1989-07-12), registration cancelled 1989-07-12, S/N 18255774 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182G
- Registry model: [Cessna 182G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182g) (registry code 2072716) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 55774
- Airframe hours: 917
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dunlap, Russell L.
- Registered owner: Dunlap, Russell L
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1986, 56 hours before
- Departed: AVENAL, CA
- Airport: AVE, Avenal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 325 total, 191 in this make and model, 247 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRB, 21 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 19870529017189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870529017189A), May 29, 1987: Cessna 182G, Avenol, CA, Substantial damage. Partial power loss. Forced landing on dirt road. Tried to go around but hit trees and crashed. Possible carb icing.

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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