# NTSB LAX91LA151: Cessna 182A, N6315A, Lake Elsinore, CA, March 30, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1991, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Lake Elsinore, CA
- Location: 33.6681° N, 117.3273° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Lake Elsinore, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6681&lon=-117.3273&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27153
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27153/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA151

## Probable cause

UNDETERMINED ENGINE POWER LOSS. A FACTOR WS THE SOFT TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A GLIDER TOWING MISSION AND WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT, THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER.  IN HIS WRITTEN STATEMENT, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE ROCKED THE WINGS TO MOVE THE FUEL AROUND AND HE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE.  THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART.  THE PILOT COMPLETED A POWER-OFF FORCED LANDING TO THE ONLY OPEN AREA HE FELT HE COULD REACH.  DUE TO THE SOFT SOIL IN THE AREA, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER.  IN HIS ORAL STATEMENT TO AN FAA SAFETY INSPECTOR, THE PILOT INDICATED THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.  THE AIRCRAFT WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACCIDENT SITE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION AND CONSEQUENTLY COULD NOT BE EXAMINED ON SITE.  THE PILOT DID NOT RETURN A COMPLETED PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1/2.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6315A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6315A), registered now, S/N 33115, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182A
- Registry model: [Cessna 182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182) (registry code 2072702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 33115
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Low Expense Soaring Club
- Registered owner: Low Expense Soaring Club
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,108 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910330007989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910330007989A), Mar 30, 1991: Cessna 182A, Lake Elsinore, CA, Substantial damage. Glider tow aircraft ran out of fuel returning to airport.

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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