# NTSB LAX91FA252: Cessna 182, N7299E, Bermuda Dunes, CA, June 8, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1991, 09:04 local (16:04 UTC)
- Place: Bermuda Dunes, CA
- Coordinates: 33.710277, -116.23072 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7103&lon=-116.2307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27007
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA252
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27007/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA252

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL, STALL, AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FOULED IGNITION POINTS, CONTAMINATED FUEL, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,ignition points - fouled (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (contributing factor)
  - maintenance - poor, other person (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH SHORTLY AFTER THE AIRPLANE LIFT OFF.  AFTER THE AIRPLANE CROSSED THE RUNWAY'S DEPARTURE END THE PILOT BEGAN A 180 TURN TO RETURN TO THE ARPT.  THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN A PROPER AIRSPEED AND THE AIRPLANE STALLED.  THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT SAND AND OTHER DEBRIS WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK A WEEK BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.  THE MECH DRAINED THE FUEL BUT DID NOT REMOVE THE TANK AT THE OWNER'S REQUEST.  THE OWNER THEN ADDED AUTO GAS AND RETURNED TO THE AIRPLANE'S HOME BASE.  THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DSCLSD SAND AND OTHER DEBRIS WERE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM & THE LEFT MAGNETO WAS INOP.  BUT THE TACHOMETER INDICATED 2450 PRM AND THE PROPELLER BLADES EXHIBITED EXTENSIVE POWER AT IMPACT SIGNATURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7299E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7299E-2014-11-17), registration cancelled 2014-11-17, S/N 52299, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182
- Registry model: [Cessna 182B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182b) (registry code 2072706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 52299
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Brower
- Registered owner: Robert Brower
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 15, 1990
- Destination: LHU, LAKE HAVASU, AZ
- Airport: Bermuda Dunes, runway 28, 5,000 × 70 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 119 total, 4 in this make and model, 62 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19910608020409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910608020409A), Jun 8, 1991: Cessna 182B, Bermuda Dunes, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Engine misfired on climbout. Began turnback,stalled and crashed. Sand in fuel. Bad mag fouled plugs. Rings seized.

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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